Please do not destroy or throw away this publication. If you have no further use 
for it write to the Geological Survey at Washington and ask for a frank to return it. 


DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

HUBERT WORK, Secretary 




\HQ Ft 


United States Geological Survey 

George Otis Smith, Director 

Water-Supply Paper 469 


SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING 
AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


BY 


ROBERT FOLLANSBEE 


Prepared In cooperation with 
THE STATE OF WYOMING 



WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1923 


IlGAOgrajjMi 























< 


DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

Hubert Work, Secretary 


United States Geological Survey 

George Otis Smith, Director 


Water-Supply Paper 469 


SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING 
AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


BY 

ROBERT FOLLANSBEE 




Prepared in cooperation with 
THE STATE OF WYOMING 



WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1923 

(XUl 







yJ'tfl 



•y 



ADDITIONAL COPIES 

OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE PROCURED FROM 
THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 
WASHINGTON, D. C. 

‘AT 

40 CENTS PER COPY 


PURCHASER AGREES NOT TO RESELL OR DISTRIBUTE THIS 
COPY FOR PROFIT.—PUB. RES. 67, APPROVED MAY 11, 1922. 




LIBKAH* OP CGNQRfcSi 

JUL 6 f$23 

nnCUMEHIS WVW&H 






&V92J 


CONTENTS. 


Introduction. 

Scope of report. 

Arrangement of report. 

Cooperation and assistance. 

Bibliography. 

Physical features of Wyoming. 

Boundaries and area. 

Topography. 

Principal drainage systems.. 

Precipitation. 

Forestation.. 

Big Horn River basin. 

Location and boundaries. 

Topography. 

Precipitation... 

Forestation. 

Principal streams.. 

Wind River and the Big Horn 
Popo Agie and Little Wind rivers. 

Horse Creek. 

Dinwoody Creek. 

Dry Creek.. 

Willow Creek. 

Bull Lake Creek. 

Owl Creek. 

No wood Creek. 

Grey bull River.. 

Shell Creek. 

Shoshone River.. 

Measured drainage areas.. 

Gaging-station records. 

Big Horn and Wind river basins. . 

Horse Creek. 

Dinwoody Creek. 

Dry Creek. 

Willow Creek. 

Bull Lake Creek. 


Popo Agie and Little Wind river basins 

Owl Creek.i 

Nowood Creek basin. . 


Greybull River basin 

Shell Creek. 

Shoshone River. 


. 


9- 


Page. 

IX 

1 

2 

2 

3 

4 
4 


5 


.^ ’ 



6 

G 

7 

8 
8 
8 
9 

10 

10 

10 

11 

11 

12 

12 

12 

12 

13 

13 

14 

14 

15 

16 
18 
18 
26 
26 

27 

28 
28 
30 

39 

40 
48 
50 
53 


























































IV 


CONTENTS. 


Big Horn River basin—Continued. 

Irrigation. 

Present development. 

Big Horn River. 

Greybull River. 

Shell Creek. 

Shoshone River. 

Future development. 

Big Horn River. 

Popo Agie River. 

Greybull River. 

No wood Creek. 

Shoshone River. 

Water supply. 

Water power.. 

Developed power. 

Big Horn River. 

Middle Fork of Popo Agie River 

Nowood Creek. 

Shoshone River. 

Undeveloped power. 

Big Horn River. 

Middle Fork of Popo Agie River 

Little Wind River. 

Tensleep Creek. 

Paintrock Creek.. . .'. 

Wood River.*. 

Shell Creek. 

Shoshone River. 

Storage. 

Developed sites. 

Undeveloped sites. 

Clark Fork basin.. 

General features. 

Measured drainage areas. 

Gaging-station records. 

Irrigation. 

Water power. 

Developed power. 

Undeveloped power. 

Main stream. 

Lake Creek. 

Beartooth Creek. 

Sunlight Creek. 

Dead Indian Creek. 

Tongue River basin. 

General features. 

Measured drainage areas. 

Gaging-station records. 

Irrigation. 

Present development. 

Future development. 


Page. 

62 

'62 

63 

65 

65 

66 

67 

68 
68 
68 * 
68 
69 

69 

70 
70 

70 

71 

71 

72 
72 
72 
75 
75 

75 

76 

76 

77 
77 
79 
79 
79 
83 

83 

84 

84 

85 

86 
86 
86 
86 
86 
87 
87 

87 

88 
88 
89 
89 
94 

94 

95 





















































CONTENTS. 


V 


Tongue River basin—Continued. Page. 

Water power. 96 

Developed power... 96 

Tongue River.,. 96 

Goose Creek. 96 

Undeveloped power. 96 

Tongue River. 97 

Goose Creek. 98 

Storage. 98 

Powder River basin. 100 

General features. 100 

Measured drainage areas... 101 

Gaging-station records. 101 

Irrigation. 112 

Present devel opmen t. 112 

Future development. 113 

Water power. 113 

Developed power. 113 

Clear Creek. 113 

Piney Creek. 114 

Undeveloped power. 114 

Storage.:. 115 

North Platte River basin, exclusive of the Laramie. 116 

Location and boundaries..*. 116 

Topography. 417 

Precipitation. 117 

Forestation. 117 

Principal streams. 118 

North Platte River. 118 

Douglas Creek.*.. 119 

Big Creek. 119 

French Creek. 119 

Brush Creek. 120 

Encampment River. 120 

Cow Creek. 121 

Spring Creek. 121 

Jack Creek. 121 

Pass Creek. 122 

Medicine Bow River. 122 

Sweetwater River.- - 122 

Minor streams entering the Pathfinder reservoir.. 124 

Horse Creek. 124 

Minor streams entering the North Platte. 124 

Measured drainage areas. 125 

Gaging-station records. 127 

North Platte River. 127 

Douglas Creek. 150 

Big Creek. 151 

French Creek. 153 

Brush Creek. 154 

Encampment River.. 155 

Cow Creek. 158 

Spring Creek. 159 






















































VI 


CONTENTS. 


North Platte River basin exclusive of the Laramie—Continued. 

Gaging-station records—Continued. Page. 

Jack Creek. • 160 

Pass Creek. 163 

Medicine Bow River basin. 163 

Sweetwater River. 

Minor streams entering the Pathfinder reservoir. 172 

Horse Creek. 173 

Minor streams entering the North Platte. 179 

Irrigation. 138 

Present development. 188 

Colorado. 188 

Wyoming.•. 189 

Future development. 191 

Colorado. 191 

Wyoming. 191 

Water supply. 192 

Median year. 192 

Water available for irrigation. 193 

Effect of further development. 193 

Transmountain diversions. 193 

Water power... 194 

Developed power.. 194 

Undeveloped power. 194 

North Platte River. 194 

Profile of river. 194 

North Park.!.!. 196 

Seminoe Canyon. 197 

Tributary streams. 198 

Storage.. 199 

Developed sites. 199 

Undeveloped sites. 199 

Laramie River basin. 202 

General features. 202 

Measured drainage areas. 203 

Gaging-station records. 204 

Irrigation. 235 

Laramie River. 235 

Little Laramie River. 237 

North Laramie River. 237 

Water supply. 237 

Laramie River.. 237 

Little Laramie River. 238 

Diversions from drainage basin. 238 

Water power. 240 

Storage. 241 

South Platte River basin. 242 

General features. 242 

Measured drainage areas. 242 

Gaging-station records. 242 

Green River basin.. 242 

Location and boundaries. 242 

Topography. 242 





















































CONTENTS 


VII 


Green River basin—Continued. Page. 

Precipitation. 242 

Forestation. 242 

Principal streams. 245 

Green River. 245 

Horse Creek. 246 

Cottonwood Creek. 246 

New Fork River. 247 

Piney Crpek. 248 

Labarge Creek.i. 248 

Fontenelle Creek.^. 249 

Big Sandy Creek. 249 

Blacks Fork. 250 

Henrys Fork. 250 

Measured drainage areas. 251 

Gaging-station records. 252 

Green River. 252 

Horse Creek. 259 

Cottonwood Creek. 260 

East Fork River basin. 261 

Piney Creek... 273 

Labarge Creek.. 275 

Fontenelle Creek. 276 

Big Sandy Creek basin. 278 

Blacks Fork basin. 281 

Henrys Fork. 285 

Irrigation... 285 

Present development.- 285 

Green River. 286 

Blacks Fork. 286 

Big Sandy Creek. 287 

Boulder Creek. 287 

Future development.:. 287 

Green River.. 288 

Hams Fork. 290 

Effect on discharge of Green River. 290 

Water power. 290 

Green River. 290 

Pine Creek. 292 

Other tributaries. 292 

Storage. 292 

Developed sites. 292 

Undeveloped sites. 292 

Lakes in Wind River mountains. 292 

Western tributaries. 293 

Little Snake River basin. 294 

General features. 294 

Measured drainage areas. 294 

Gaging-station records. 295 

Bear River basin. 298 

General features. 298 

Measured drainage areas. 299 

Gaging-station records. 299 






















































VIII 


CONTENTS. 


X 

Bear River basin—Continued. Page. 

Irrigation. 301 

Water power. 301 

Storage. 301 

Snake River basin. 302 

General features. 302 

Measured drainage areas. 303 

Gaging-station records. 303 

Irrigation. 316 

Present development. 316 

Future development. 316 

Water power. 317 

Developed power. 317 

Undeveloped power... 318 

Storage. 319 

Cheyenne River basin. 320 

Evaporation from water surfaces. 320 

Factors influencing rate of evaporation. 320 

Evaporation records in Wyoming. 321 

Computation of evaporation. 323 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

t 


Plate I. Map of Wyoming 


At end of volume. 
























INTRODUCTION. 


By Nathan C. Grover. 


The United States Geological Survey and the State engineer of 
Wyoming have collected records of stream flow in that State since 
1894, at times in cooperation and at times independently. These 
records have served as a basis for the development of irrigation and 
power and for the adjudication of water rights, and they are con¬ 
stantly becoming more valuable in connection with the further utili¬ 
zation of the surface waters of the State. Their increasing value 
becomes apparent when it is realized that more than a million and a 
half acres of land in Wyoming is now irrigated, an additional million 
acres is under completed ditch, and still another million acres is pro¬ 
posed for irrigation. Though not all of this area will be irrigated, 
because of inadequate water supply or of excessive cost, the recla¬ 
mation of large additional areas by irrigation is certain. 

The development of water powpr in Wyoming has been rather 
unimpressive, for not more than 8,000 horsepower has been utilized 
in the State, doubtless because of the relatively small demand for 
power and the availability of cheap fuel, both oil and coal. The 
Commissioner of Corporations 1 has estimated the minimum poten¬ 
tial water power in Wyoming at 773,000 horsepower and the maxi¬ 
mum at 1,305,000 horsepower. Even the minimum estimated is 
probably far in excess of the power that may practicably be devel¬ 
oped, but in spite of the large producing oil fields in the State and of 
good coal near both its northern and southern borders, it does not 
appear unreasonable to expect, with the growth of cities, a large in¬ 
crease in the demand for water power for pumping and other indus¬ 
trial uses and for lighting, heating, and traction, so that the develop¬ 
ment reached might amount to 200,000 horsepower. 

The necessity for exact knowledge concerning water available for 
all uses will become more urgent as those uses increase. The stability 
of water rights and of land values and the safety of investments will 
be even more dependent in the future than at present on reliable 
records of stream flow and of the beneficial use of the surface waters. 
The published records of stream flow are scattered through reports 
issued by the Geological Survey and by the State engineer, and many 

1 Report of the Commissioner of Corporations on water-power development in the United States, 1912. 


IX 





X SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

of the reports are out of print. The records of use of the water and 
of irrigation and power projects are even less accessible than the 
records of stream flow, for most of them are unpublished and are to 
be found only in the files of the State engineer or of practicing 
hydraulic and irrigation engineers. 

Mr. Follansbee has here assembled in one volume the essential 
facts regarding the surface-water supply of the State and its use. 
He has not attempted to discuss in detail either the water rights or 
the adequacy of the water supply for particular projects, except a 
few of the larger water-power projects. He has sought merely to 
set forth the facts in convenient form, so that present or prospective 
water users and their engineers and attorneys, as well as State and 
Federal officials, may have a basis for investigations leading to the 
future development of the State’s resources, not only in agriculture 
by irrigation but in stock raising, mining, and other industries. 






SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR 

UTILIZATION. 


By Robert Follansbee. 


SCOPE OF REPORT. 

This report presents, in form for ready reference, the available 
data* pertaining to the present and future utilization of the surface 
waters of Wyoming and includes records of run-off and information 
relating'to irrigation, water power, and storage. 

The run-off data given herein have been taken chiefly from the 
original records of the United States Geological Survey and com¬ 
prise only the records of monthly discharge. A few records that 
were shown by later information to be erroneous have been revised. 
No special surveys have been made by the Geological Survey to 
obtain for this report data pertaining to the utilization of the sur¬ 
face Avaters. 

The areas irrigated in each drainage basin have been determined 
largely from tables showing rights under adjudicated ditches and 
under ditches completed but not yet adjudicated, published in the 
fourteenth biennial report of the State engineer. The brief descrip¬ 
tions of the larger projects have been abstracted from diverse sources 
which are believed to be authentic. The areas susceptible of future 
irrigation have .been determined by reference to proposed Carey Act 
projects and to special investigations made by the United States 
Reclamation Service and the State engineer. To determine the 
water supply in the larger streams, the mean run-off for median 
year—the middle year when the years covered by the records are 
arranged in order of magnitude of run-off—has been used if no con¬ 
siderable storage is available, to determine that of streams suscep¬ 
tible of more or less complete regulation through storage, the average 
of the run-off for the years covered by the records has been used. 

Information concerning developed water power was obtained from 
the managers of power plants. To determine the undeveloped water 
power, rough profiles of the larger streams were prepared from the 
topographic maps of the Geological Survey; for a few of the streams 
the information thus obtained was supplemented by special surveys 
made by private interests and reported to the State engineer. The 

l 




2 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

water supply available for the development of power was estimated 
from the records of run-off published in this report. As the topo¬ 
graphic maps and special surveys do not cover all the streams, the 
information relating to the undeveloped water powers of the State 
is incomplete. 

The data concerning developed storage were obtained chiefly from 
the operators of the reservoirs; for undeveloped storage the informa¬ 
tion was obtained from records filed in the State engineer s office, 
supplemented when possible by estimates of run-off at the reservoir 
site based on records of run-off. For the larger reservoir sites, 
allowance has been made for losses due to evaporation, a special 
study of which was made for this report. (See pp. 320-326.) 

ARRANGEMENT OF REPORT. 

The data are, for convenience, grouped by drainage basins and 
follow a description of the general features of State. 

The rivers are divided into nine groups. The first four groups 
comprise Big Horn, Tongue, Powder rivers, and Clark Fork, and 
their tributaries, which flow to the Missouri through Yellowstone 
River; the fifth group is made up of North Platte River and its trib¬ 
utaries, whose waters join those of the South Platte in Nebraska to 
form Platte River; the sixth consists of Green River and its trib¬ 
utaries; the seventh comprises streams in the Little Snake River 
basin, which are tributary to Gre^n River through the Yampa; the 
eighth comprises Bear River and its tributaries, whose waters flow 
into Great Salt Lake; and the ninth is made up of Snake River and 
its tributaries, which flow into Columbia River. 

The data are presented in the order indicated by the grouping. 
Data for Wind and Big Horn rivers, for example, are followed by 
those for each important tributary arranged in order beginning at 
the source, and records of run-off are followed by data pertaining to 
irrigation, water power, and storage. 

A map of Wyoming (PI. I), in the pocket at the end of the volume, 
shows the boundaries of the principal drainage basins, the location 
of gaging stations, the areas covered by adjudicated water rights, 
and the boundaries of the larger irrigation projects, those proposed 
as well as those under construction. 

COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE. 

Some of the earliest records in the State were furnished by the 
State engineer, who cooperated in maintaining the gaging stations 
during 1911-12 and 1915-1921 and maintained the stations in¬ 
dependently during 1913 and 1914. Most of the records for 1913 and 
1914 have been recomputed to insure consistency and conformity 
to the standards of the United States Geological Survey. 


BIBLIOGRAPHY. 


3 


The United States Reclamation Service paid for the installation 
and operation of the stations on the North Platte and Sage Creek 
above Pathfinder and on Bull Lake Creek and Dinwoody Creek near 
Lenore and furnished complete records at a number of stations in 
the North Platte drainage basin, as noted in the description of the 
stations. The United States Indian Service paid for the installation 
and operation of stations on the Wind River Diminished Reservation 
established in 1921. The United States Forest Service furnished 
gage-height records for stations on Green River near Kendall, Pine 
Creek, Squaw Creek, and Middle Fork of Popo Agie River, and paid 
for installing the recording gage on Tongue River near Dayton. The 
State engineer of Colorado furnished records for stations in the 
Little Snake River basin and cooperated in maintaining the stations 
on Laramie River at Glendevey and Laramie River near Jelm. 
Gage-height records and transportation have been furnished by the 
Laramie Water Co. for stations in the Laramie River basin; the 
L. Z. Leiter estate for stations in the Clear Creek basin (incomplete 
records); the Hawk Springs Development Co. for the station on 
Horse Creek near Lagrange; and Johnson & Cronberg for the station 
on Medicine Bow River near Medicine Bow. Gage-height records 
were furnished by the Wyoming Irrigation Co. for Shell Creek at 
Shell; the Eden Land & Irrigation Co. for Big Sandy Creek near 
Farson; and the Buffalo Manufacturing Co. for Clear Creek near 
Buffalo. The Rock Creek Conservation Co. furnished records for 
stations in the Rock Creek basin. The Eden Land & Irrigation Co. 
paid for installing the recording gage on Big Sandy Creek near Farson. 
The Douglas Reservoirs Co. installed the station on La Prele Creek 
near Douglas. Mr. F. R. Richards furnished gage heights and other 
assistance for the station on Muddy Creek near Shirley. The Uinta 
Development Co. and later the Heber Land & Livestock Co. paid the 
observer on Blacks Fork near Urie for several years. 

The stream-gaging records for this report have been compiled by 
P. V. Hodges, assisted by J. B. Spiegel and Mrs. Esther D. Rae. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 

The following reports other than stream-flow publications of the 
United States Geological Survey have been used in preparing the 
data presented herein: 

TOPOGRAPHY. 

Beekly, A. L., Geology and coal resources of North Park, Colo.: U. S. Geol. Survey 
Bull. 596, 1915. 

Darton, N. H., Geology of the Big Horn Mountains, Wyo.: U. S. Geol. Survey Prof, 
Paper 51, 1906. 

- Geology of the Owl Creek Mountains, Wyo.: 59th Cong., 1st sess., S. Doc. 219, 

1906. 

-U. S. Geol. Survey Geol. Atlas, Laramie-Sherman folio (No. 173), 1910. 




4 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Davis, A. P., Report of progress of stream measurements for the calendar year 1896. 

U. S. Geol. Survey Eighteenth Ann. Rept., pt. 4, 1897. 

Fisher, C. A., Geology and water resources of the Big Horn Basin, Wyo.: L. S. 
Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 53, 1906. 

Hayden, F. V., U. S. Geol. and Geog. Survey: Terr. Eleventh Ann. Rept., 1879. 
Schrader, F. C., Gold placers on Wind and Big Horn rivers, Wyo.: U. S. Geol. Survey 
Bull. 580, pp. 127-145, 1913. 

Schultz, A. R., Geology and geography of a portion of Lincoln County, Wyo.: U. S. 
Geol. Survey Bull. 543, 1914. 

Spencer, A. C., The copper deposits of the Encampment district, Wyo.: U. S. Geol. 
Survey Prof. Paper 25, 1904. 

Veatch, A. C., Geography and geology of a portion of southwestern Wyoming: U. S. 
Geol. Survey Prof. Pap. 56, 1907. 

WATER POWER. 

La Rue, E. C., Colorado River and its utilization: U. S. Geol. Survey Water-Supply 
Paper 395, 1916. 

Murphy, E. C., Unpublished report on storage and power possibilities in Wind River 
Indian Reservation. 

Whitsit, L. A., Hydroelectric power resources of the Tongue River, Wyo. (unpub¬ 
lished report to United States Forest Service, 1918). 

• EVAPORATION. 

Meyer, A. F., Elements of hydrology, John Wiley & Sons, 1917. 

Sleight, R. B., Evaporation from the surfaces of water and river-bed materials: 
Jour. Agr. Research, vol. 10, No. 5, July 30, 1917, 

WATER RIGHTS. 

Mead, Elwood, Water-right problems of the Big Horn Mountains: U. S. Geol. Survey 
Water-Supply Paper 23, 1899. 

True, J. B., Wyoming State engineer, Fourteenth Bienn. Rept., 1918. 

PRECIPITATION. 

U. S. Weather Bureau, annual summary, Wyoming section. 


CAREY ACT PROJECTS. 

Lee, R. E., Commissioner of Public Lands, Seventh Bienn. Rept., 1918. 


PHYSICAL FEATURES OF WYOMING. 
BOUNDARIES AND AREA. 


The boundaries of Wyoming are the same as those of the Territory 

of Wyoming, which are defined in the following clause from the act 
creating the territory 2 July 25, 1868. 


That all that part of the United States described as follows: Commencing at th< 
intersection of the twenty-seventh meridian of longitude west from Washington witl 
t e forty-fifth degree of north latitude, and running thence west to the thirty-fourtl 
meridian of west l ongitude, thence south to the forty-first degree of north latitude 


* Gannett, Henry, Boundaries of the United States and of the several StaiP* • 

b ° Undary ' 









PHYSICAL FEATURES OF WYOMING. 


5 


thence east to the twenty-seventh meridian of west longitude, and thence north to 
the place of beginning, be, and the same is hereby, organized into a temporary govern¬ 
ment by £he name of the Territory of Wyoming. 

As computed from the Smithsonian tables, the area of the State, 
comprising 7 degrees of longitude and 4 degrees of latitude, is 97,914 
square miles. 

TOPOGRAPHY. 

The topography of Wyoming is diversified. The State is traversed 
by the Rocky Mountains, whose more or less parallel ranges trend in 
general north and south and are separated by high valleys. From 
the Nebraska line on the east to the front range of the Rockies, a 
distance increasing from about 60 miles at the southern border to 
150 miles at the northern, the State is part of the Great Plains. The 
generally level surface of the Great Plains rises gradually from 5,000 
feet above the sea at the eastern edge of the area to 6,500 feet at the 
western, and in it the streams have cut valleys that are bounded in 
most places by well-defined bluffs. In the extreme northeast corner 
of the State spurs of the Black Hills of South Dakota rise from 1,000 
to 1,500 feet above the general level of the plains. 

The front range of the Rockies is made up of the Laramie Moun¬ 
tains, which extend northward from the Colorado line to North Platte 
River, rising from 1,500 to 3,000 feet above the plains to the east; 
Bridger Mountains, beyond the North Platte, in general elevation 
1,000 feet above the plains; and the rugged Big Horn Mountains, 
which reach elevations of 12,000 to 13,000 feet. 

West of the front range is a high plateau crossed by more or less 
disconnected mountain ranges except in the northwestern part of the 
State, where the ranges merge. In the northern part of the plateau 
bounded by the Big Horn Mountains on the east and the Shoshone 
and Absaroka mountains on the west and nearly inclosed on the 
south by spurs of the Shoshone and Big Horn mountains, is the 
Big Horn Basin, in which badland districts are numerous but changes 
in elevation are relatively slight. South of the mountain spurs that 
form the southern boundary of the basin the plateau is as a rule 
level as far south as the Rattlesnake Mountains (north of Sweetwater 
River) and the Sweetwater Hills and Seminoe Mountains (south of 
the river), isolated ranges whose general trend is east. 

Still farther south, beyond the Sweetwater Hills, is the treeless, 
dreary waste known as Red Desert, which extends south of the 
Union Pacific Railroad. The slope of this region is toward the cen¬ 
ter, so that it is in effect a closed basin in which the water is lost by 
evaporation and seepage. The level surface of the high plateau 
extends southward to the Colorado line but is broken near the south¬ 
ern edge by the northern spurs of the Uinta Mountains of Utah. 


6 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

West of the Red Desert and south of the southern extension of the 
merged mountain ranges of the northwestern part of the State, ex¬ 
tending to the State line in each direction, the plateau maintains a 
general elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level. 

PRINCIPAL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS. 

Heading on the crest of the continent, the streams of Wyoming 
find their way to both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The Atlantic 
receives, by way of the Mississippi-Missouri, the waters of Yellow¬ 
stone, Clark Fork, Big Horn, Tongue, Powder, Little Missouri, 
Cheyenne, and North Platte rivers; the Pacific receives Green River 
through the Colorado and Snake River by way of the Columbia. 
The streams of a small area in the southwestern part of the State 
are tributary to Great Salt Lake through Bear River. A small area 
in the northwestern part of Yellowstone National Park is drained by 
headwaters of the Missouri, including a stretch of Madison River. 
In the southeast corner of the State, between the southern boundary 
of the North Platte basin and the Colorado line, is a small area 
drained by tributaries of the South Platte. 

PRECIPITATION. 

Records of precipitation in Wyoming of greater length than 10 
years are relatively few, and many of them are not more than 7 
years long, so that the distribution of precipitation throughout the 
State is not determinable from a long-time mean. 

The records show, in general, the distribution of precipitation over 
the plains areas and intermountain valleys but give little indication 
of that in the higher mountains. A rough estimate of the precipi¬ 
tation in the mountains has been given by Gannett, 3 who discovered 
that about 20 inches of rainfall was needed for plant growth and that 
the run-off added to the 20-inch need for vegetation was a measure 
of the precipitation. 

In the eastern part of Wyoming the mean annual precipitation 
decreases from 20 inches at the northeast corner to 16 inches near 
the base of the Big Horn Mountains, and then increases with increase 
in altitude to about 40 inches at the crest. Farther south the precipi¬ 
tation decreases from 18 inches at the Nebraska line to 14 inches at 
the base of the Laramie Mountains and then increases to 20 inches and 
more at the crest. West of the Big Horn Mountains the precipitation 
decreases very rapidly to 12 inches at the base and to 6 inches or even 
less in the Big Horn Basin itself. In the Shoshone and Absaroka 
ranges, which form the western boundary of the Big Horn Basin, the 


* U. S. Geol. Survey Water-Supply Papers 301-312, Pis. I and II, 1912. 







PHYSICAL FEATURES OF WYOMING. 


7 


precipitation increases to 40 inches. Through the central part of the 
State the precipitation decreases from 16 inches at the Nebraska line 
to 10 inches in the Big Horn River and Sweetwater River basins, and 
then increases to 14 inches at the base of the Shoshone and Wind 
River mountains. In the mountains it increases rapidly to more than 
40 inches at the crest. 

W est of the Laramie Mountains the precipitation decreases to 10 
inches at the base and to 8 inches or less in the Red Desert. In the 
Medicine Bow Mountains and Sierra Madre the precipitation increases 
to 25 inches. 

The precipitation west of the Red Desert is about 8 inches in the 
Green River basin and increases to 25 inches in the Wyoming Moun¬ 
tains, which form its western boundary. In the southwest corner of 
the State it increases from 8 inches in the Green River basin to 14 
inches in the vicinity of Evanston. 

FORE STATION . 4 

In Wyoming forests, or large bodies of trees, as distinguished from 
the scattered growths seen chiefly along the streams, are found only 
in the mountains, where the precipitation is sufficient to support 
their growth. The lower limit of forestation ranges from 6,000 feet in 
the northern part of the State to 8,000 feet in the southern part. 
Although precipitation increases in general with increase in altitude, 
forests do not grow at the higher altitudes in the mountains but stop 
at a more or less definite limit known as timber line. The altitude of 
timber line ranges from 10,000 feet in the northern part of the State 
to 10,500 feet in the southern part. Practically all the forested area 
except that in the Wind River Diminished Reservation is included 
in national forests, and by far the greater part of it is in the north¬ 
western part of the State, in the Shoshone, Bridger, Washakie, 
Targhee, Teton, and Wyoming forests. The next largest area is in 
the Big Horn Mountains in the forest of the same name. Besides 
these areas there are much smaller areas of forest in the Sierra Madre 
and Medicine Bow Mountains, in the southern part of the State, 
included in the Hayden and Medicine Bow forests. 

Within the forests are large nonforested tracts, comprising areas 
above timber line, grass lands, and barren lands, where the topography 
is too rugged for tree growth. There are also considerable areas of 
burned-over land, but as most of these are in various stages of repro¬ 
duction they are not included in the nonforested areas. 

In the following table the “protection area” consists of timberland, 
woodland, and burned-over land. 

« Compiled chiefly from data furnished by U. S. Forest Service. 

105707 — 23 — wsp 469 - 2 





8 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


National forest areas in Wyoming. 


Forest. 

Not area 
(square 
mile). 

Protection 
area (square 
mile). 

Protection stand (M 
feet b. m.). 

Total. 

Per square 
mile of 
protection 
area. 


2,457 

1,756 

948 

1,122 

384 

127 

3,056 

1,406 

684 

734 

1,141 

1,073 

447 

437 

207 

100 

1,671 

873 

575 

599 

2,044,905 
1,500,568 
1,236,000 
1,034,563 
250,000 
151,214 
5,050,083 
842,152 
750,000 
3,132,866 

1,792 

1,398 

2,765 

2,367 

1,208 

1,512 

3,022 

965 

1,305 

5,320 

i a TT nm . 


Hririfypr . 


'T'flfprhpp . 

Teton . 

W vnm in v . 

TTavdp/n . 

Mpdir.inp "Row . 



The region of greatest density is the Medicine Bow Forest, in the 
North Platte basin, where the stand of protection cover per square 
mile is 5,320 M feet b. m. Next in density is the Teton Forest, in the 
Snake River basin, with 3,022 M feet b. m. The timber in the re¬ 
maining forests is less dense, decreasing from 2,765 M feet b. m. in the 
Bonneville Forest to 965 M feet b. m. in the Wyoming Forest. 

BIO HORN RIVER BASIN. 

LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES. 

The area drained by Big Horn River occupies the central part of the 
State, extending northward to the State line. The average distance 
from the north to the south side of the basin is 140 miles; that from 
the east to the west side is 180 miles. The area is bounded by an al¬ 
most continuous ring of mountains except on the southeast, where 
the mountains give way to low hills. On the west it is bounded by the 
Absaroka and Shoshone mountains, which extend from the State line 
southward to Wind River, where they merge in the Wind River Moun¬ 
tains, which form the boundary on the southwest as far as Lander. 
Beyond this point the boundary becomes less well defined as the moun¬ 
tains give way to the high rolling plains that extend northward and 
gradually become rougher and higher until they merge into the Big 
Horn Mountains, which form the eastern boundary. 

TOPOGRAPHY. 

Llevations in the basin of Big Horn River range from more than 
12,000 feet in the Wind River and Shoshone mountains to less than 
3,600 feet at the Montana line. The nonmountainous parts of the 
area consist principally of broad rolling plains and smaller scattered 
badland areas, varied by intermediate erosion forms, such as fragmen¬ 
tary mesas, flat-topped buttes, and sharp-crested, steep-sided ridges 
separated by valleys and gulches of steep gradient. 












































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 9 

The plains rise from Wind River to 6,000 feet at the foot of the Owl 
Creek Mountains, on the northwest, and to nearly 7,000 feet at the foot 
of the Wind River Mountains, on the southwest. From the outer edge 
of the river valley the surface rises, generally in a succession of terraces 
or gravel-covered benches, some of which, as at Riverton and above 
the mouth of Little Wind River, are of great width, to heights of 100 
feet or more above the river, where they give way to plains and other 
upland features. 5 

The greater part of the area drained by Big Horn River lies in the 
Big Horn Basin, which extends from the Owl Creek Mountains to the 
Montana line as a broad structural valley bordered on nearly all sides 
by high mountain ranges. Along the outer portion of the valley a 
number of secondary ridges of moderate prominence extend in a di¬ 
rection nearly parallel to the trend of the higher mountain ranges. 
The interior of the valley is characterized by high badland slopes 
which terminate in irregular ridges of sharp peaks or are capped by 
older gravel terraces. The streams that cross the basin flow in deep 
but broad sloping valleys, bordered by terraces rising to adjoining 
highlands. On the eastern edge the mountains generally rise ab¬ 
ruptly from the plains to an altitude of about 8,000 feet and then more 
gradually toward the summit line of the range, which reaches in places 
an altitude of about 10,000 feet. On the western edge the plains rise 
abruptly to the mountain masses. South of Greybull River the transi¬ 
tion between mountain and plain is more gradual, until at the south¬ 
western corner of the basin many of the prominent mountain ridges 
extend far outjinto the basin province. 6 

PRECIPITATION. 

South of the Big Horn Basin the precipitation decreases from more 
than 30 inches at the crest of the Wind River and Shoshone moun¬ 
tains to 12 inches at their base, this amount being approximately the 
average for the nonmountainous part of the area. In the Owl Creek 
Mountains, which form the southern border of the basin, the precipi¬ 
tation increases to 14 inches. Within the basin itself the precipita¬ 
tion ranges between 6 and 12 inches and probably averages 7 inches. 
In the eastern part, just west of the Big Horn Mountains, the pre¬ 
cipitation may be less than 6 inches, as the only available records for 
that area indicate a mean precipitation as low as 4.5 inches. In the Big 
Horn Mountains on the eastern boundary the precipitation rapidly 
increases with increase in altitude to 30 inches or more at the crest 
and the increase is similar om the western boundary. 

‘ Schrader, F. C., Gold placers on Wind and Big Horn rivers, Wyo.: U. S. Geol. Survey Bull. 580, pp. 
128-129, 1913. 

• Fisher, C. A., Geology and water resources of the Big Horn Basin, Wyo.: U. S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 
63, pp. 1-5, 1906 







10 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

FORE STATION . 7 

The forested areas in the Big Horn River basin are found in the 
mountainous areas that form the rim of the basin, above an alti¬ 
tude which ranges between 6,000 and 7,000 feet, the lower limit 
applying to the northern part of the area, and the higher to the 
southern part. Practically all these areas, except 400 square miles 
in the Wind River Diminished Reservation, are included in the 
Bonneville and Shoshone forests on the west, the W ashakie Forest 
on the south, and the Big Horn Forest on the east. 

The total area of the forests, including the area of the Wind River 
Diminished Reservation above the lower limit of lorestation, is about 
4,500 square miles. Large nonforested tracts within the forests com¬ 
prise areas above timber line (elevation 10,000 feet), grass lands, 
and barren lands, where the topography is too rugged to permit tree 
growth. Most of the considerable areas of burned-over land are in 
various stages of reproduction. The nonforested areas comprise 
about 1,700 square miles, leaving 2,800 square miles in the Big Horn 
drainage basin classed as forested. 

As an indication of the average density, it may be stated that the 
total timber cover, divided between commercial and protection 
stands, is 4,500,000 M feet b. m., an average of 1,610 M feet b. m. 
per square mile. The predominant species is lodgepole pine. Next 
in abundance are Englemann spruce, Douglas fir, Alpine fir, and 
yellow pine. 

PRINCIPAL STREAMS. 

Wind River and the Big Horn. —Big Horn River is formed by the 
junction of Wind and Popo Agie rivers. As Wind River is much the 
larger it is considered the headwater stream. 

Wind River rises on the southern slopes of the Shoshone Mountains 
and the adjoining eastern slopes of the Wind River Mountains, 
at Twogwotee Pass, on the Continental Divide, 9,600 feet above 
sea level, and flows southeastward nearly 100 miles to Riverton, where 
it is joined by Popo Agie River to form the Big Horn. Just below the 
junction the Big Horn turns sharply to the north, and it continues in 
a general northerly direction to the Montana line. It joins Yellowstone 
River at Junction, Mont. 

In its upper course Wind River flows through a narrow, steep¬ 
sided valley, which gradually widens out below Dubois, where the 
side slopes become gentler. The valley continues to the crossing of 
the Owl Creek and Bridger mountains, where the river has cut a 
narrow gorge to a maximum depth of 2,250 feet. 8 Below this gorge 
as far as the mouth of Meeyero Creek the valley is narrow, but at that 

7 Compiled chiefly from data furnished by the United States Forest Service. 

8 N. H., Geology of the OwlCreek Mountains: 59th Cong., 1st sess-, S. Doc. 219, p. 11 ,1906. 








BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


11 


point it again widens and between Meeyero Creek and Greybull 
River its average width is 2 miles. Below Greybull River the valley 
becomes very narrow, merging into Black Canyon, where the Big 
Horn cuts through Sheep Mountain, about 15 miles north of Greybull. 
Below Black Canyon the valley continues narrow, with very little 
bottom land, until it again disappears near the Montana line, where 
the river cuts through the Big Horn Mountains in a canyon. 

The principal tributaries of Wind River from the north are Du Noir, 
Horse, Beaver, Crow, and Dry creeks; those from the south are 
Jakeys Fork, Torrey, Dinwoody, and Bull Lake creeks. All these 
tributaries rise in the mountains bounding the Wind River basin. 
The chief tributaries of Big Horn River from the west are Owl, Meeyero, 
and Gooseberry creeks, and Greybull and Shoshone rivers; from 
the east, Badwater, Buffalo, Shell, Kirby, Nowood, Bear, and Alkali 
creeks. Of the eastern tributaries only Nowood and Shell creeks are 
perennial tributaries of importance. The Big Horn receives no per¬ 
ennial tributaries that rise in the basin itself. Only those tributaries 
for which stream-flow records are available are described herein. 

Popo Agie and Little Wind rivers . 9 —Popo Agie River is formed by 
the junction of its North and Middle forks near Lander and flows 
northwestward through a comparatively shallow valley to a point 
near Riverton, where it joins Wind River to form the Big Horn. 
Both forks rise in small lakes on the eastern slope of the Wind River 
Mountains, near the Continental Divide, and flow through canyons 
with very heavy fall. 

At Arapahoe Popo Agie River receives its principal tributary, 
Little Wind River, which is formed near Fort Washakie by the 
junction of its North and South forks and flows eastward. North 
Fork rises in lakes near the crest of the Wind River Mountains, 
at an elevation of more than 10,000 feet. Its upper course is in 
a canyon for a distance of 9 miles but below the canyon the valley 
gradually widens. 

South Fork at the head of the highest of the lakes is 10,820 feet 
above sea level. About 29 miles above the forks the South Fork 
widens in Tuygee Lake, which is about 9,900 feet above sea level 
and covers an area of 198 acres. Below Tuygee Lake it flows in a 
valley that alternately widens, forming flats and narrows; the slope 
is much greater in the narrow stretch. One of the largest of the flats 
is 20 miles above the mouth. About 16 miles above its mouth the 
stream enters a deep canyon where the fall is 800 feet to a mile. 

Horse Creek .—Horse Creek, one of the headwater tributaries of 
Wind River, rises at an elevation of 11,000 feet and flows southward 
to its junction with Wind River at Dubois. The principal tributaries 

»Taken chiefly from unpublished report by E. C. Murphy on storage and power possibilities in the Wind 
River Indian Reservation. 






12 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

are West Fork and Burroughs and Little Horse creeks. The drain¬ 
age area lies north of Wind River on the southern slope of the Absa- 
roka Mountains. 

The topography is extremely rugged in the upper part of the basin 
but gradually becomes more rolling toward the lower end. 

Dinwoody Creek .—Dinwoody Creek, one of the principal tribu¬ 
taries of Wind River, drains a narrow strip lying on the eastern slope 
of the Wind River Mountains within the Wind River Diminished 
Reservation. It rises in small glacier-fed lakes that lie just below 
the Continental Divide at an elevation of at least 11,000 feet. The 
two largest, Klondike and Downs lakes, have areas of 250 and 160 
acres, respectively. 

The general course of the creek is northeast. Beginning at a 
point 20 miles above the mouth, Dinwoody Creek flows for 7 miles 
through a narrow, deep canyon and has an average fall of 315 feet 
to a mile. Near the lower end of the stretch, at a place called the 
natural bridge, the creek flows underground. Below the canyon 
section Dinwoody Creek flows for 12 miles through a gradually 
widening valley to its mouth. In the upper 3 or 4 miles of the valley 
the average fall is 100 feet to a mile. Below this stretch the creek 
flows through the Dinwoody Lakes, a series of small lakes 6 miles 
long having a combined area of about 800 acres. From the lower end 
of the lakes to the mouth, a distance of 3 miles, the creek falls 200 
feet. 10 1 

The basin is extremely rugged and ranges in elevation from 6,200 
to 13,000 feet. Above 10,000 feet the surface is chiefly granitic rock 
without vegetation or soil. 

Dry Creelc .—Dry Creek rises near the crest of the Wind River 
Mountains and flows northeastward until it joins Wind River 8 
miles above Lenore. The drainage area lies on the eastern slope of 
the Wind River Mountains. 

Willow Creelc. —Willow Creek rises on the lower slope of the moun¬ 
tains and flows northeastward into Wind River near Lenore. The 
drainage area lies west of Wind River and east of the .Wind River 
Mountains. 

Bull Lake Creek .—Bull Lake Creek, the principal tributary of Wind 
River, drains a long, narrow strip on the eastern slope of the Wind 
River Mountains west of Wind River. It has two main forks, both of 
which rise in the glaciers around Fremont Peak and drain small lakes 
on the headwaters. The combined area of the three largest lakes in 
the South Fork basin is 215 acres. For 6 miles above the forks 
North Fork flows in a deep canyon with steep sides and has an 

average slope of 530 feet to a mile. Above that stretch the slope 
is much less. F 


10 Murphy, E. C., op. cit. 








BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


13 


From the forks Bull Lake Creek flows eastward 16 miles through a 
gradually widening valley having an average slope of 22 feet to a mile. 
In this valley, which is partly filled with glacial deposits, is Bull Lake, 
whose area is 1,600 acres. 

The basin is extremely rugged and ranges in elevation from 6,200 
to 13,000 feet. Above 10,000 feet the surface is mainly granitic rock 
without vegetation or soil. 

Owl Creek .—Owl Creek, which drains the northern slope of the 
Owl Creek Mountains, is formed by the junction of its North and 
South forks, both of which rise at the south end of the Shoshone 
Mountains near the Washakie Needles, at an elevation of 11,000 
feet. South Fork, which is much the larger stream, passes through 
a deep canyon in the west end of the Owl Creek Mountains and flows 
across the Big Horn Basin on the north side of the range, being 
joined by the North Fork about 6 miles east of Embar. Above the 
North Fork the Middle Fork and Bed Creek join the South Fork; 
below it there is but one important tributary, Mud Creek, which also 
rises on the north slope of the mountains. * 11 

Precipitation in the Owl Creek basin decreases from about 25 inches 
on the headwaters and 14 inches in the Owl Creek Mountains, on the 
southern boundary, to 10 inches at the mouth. For the part of the 
area in the Big Horn Basin the precipitation ranges between 10 and 
12 inches. 

Nowood Creek .—Nowood Creek, probably the largest tributary of 
the Big Horn from the east, drains the southeastern part of the Big 
Horn Basin and the western slope of the Big Horn Mountains as far 
north as Shell Creek. Nowood Creek itself is a plains stream, rising 
in the low hills forming the southern rim of the Big Horn Basin east 
of Big Horn Biver. Its general course is north and northwest, and 
it enters the Big Horn near Manderson. Its chief tributaries—those 
which make it a perennial stream—are Tensleep and Paintrock 
creeks, which rise high in the Big Horn Mountains. Other perenni&l 
tributaries are Spring, Otter, and Little Canyon creeks. No impor¬ 
tant tributaries enter from the west. 

The eastern part of the drainage basin comprises the western slopes 
of the Big Horn Mountains—a region of extremely rugged topography, 
with steep slopes terminating in high cliffs, through which Tensleep 
and Paintrock creeks cut their way in canyons that reach a depth of 
2,000 feet. 12 

West of the mountains the drainage basin is chiefly a badlands 
district, consisting of long, gradual slopes terminating in irregular 
ridges and sharp peaks. Along the high divide between Nowood and 

11 Darton, N. H., Geology of the Owl Creek Mountains: 59th Cong., 1st sess., S. Doc. 219, p. 11,1906. 

11 Fisher, C. A., Geology and water resources of the Big Horn Basin, Wyo.: U. S. Geol. Survey Prof. 
Paper 53, pp. 1-5,1906. 



14 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Nowater creeks are a number of isolated peaks which rise to altitudes 
of 5,800 to 6,000 feet. 

Throughout its length Nowood Creek flows through a shallow 
valley, perhaps a mile in average width. After leaving the mountains 
Tensleep and Paintrock creeks flow through similar valleys. 

The precipitation decreases rapidly on the western slope of the Big 
Horn Mountain from 30 inches and more at the crest to 8 inches at the 
base of the mountains and to 6 inches at the mouth. At the base of 


the mountains the precipitation may be even less than 8 inches, as a 
fragmentary record at Hyattville indicates an annual precipitation of 
4.5 inches. 

Greybull River .—Greybull River drains the eastern slopes of the 
Shoshone Mountains and the portion of the Big Horn Basin bounded 
by Shoshone River on the north and Owl and Gooseberry creeks on 
the south. The river rises near the crest of the Shoshone Mountains, 
a few miles west of Kirwin, at an elevation of 11,000 feet, flows north¬ 
ward 15 miles, then turns abruptly and follows an easterly course for 
25 miles to the point at which it is joined by Wood River, where it 
turns and flows northeastward about 50 miles, joining Big Horn 
River near Greybull. In its upper course Greybull River is joined by 
a number of mountain tributaries, the largest of which are Rock, 
Rawhide, and Meeteetse creeks, from the north, and Wood River and 
Franks Creek from the south. Below the mouth of Meeteetse Creek 
there are no perennial tributaries, as the precipitation east of the 
mountains is too slight to afford any but intermittent run-off. 

In the upper 15 miles of its course Greybull River flows through 
canyons, but below that stretch it flows across the Big Horn Basin. 
Below Four Bear, a few miles east of the mountains, the Greybull 
Valley is relatively wide, but 10 miles farther down, near Pitchfork 
ranch, it narrows rapidly and is bordered on either side by high 
bluffs, which follow the river for 30 miles, to Fenton, where they 
recede from the river and the valley again widens to 5 or 6 miles and 
maintains this width nearly to the mouth of the river. North of 
Greybull Valley there is a high terrace more or less dissected by 
ravines. The part of the drainage basin that extends from the Grey¬ 
bull Valley to Big Horn River consists of badlands. 13 


The precipitation decreases rapidly from about 20 inches at the 
source to 12 inches at the base of the mountains. In the basin 
region the precipitation decreases from 12 inches to 7 inches at the 
mouth, being less than 8 inches over the greater part. 

Shell Creek.' Shell Creek, one of the largest tributaries of Big 
Horn River, rises at the crest of the mountains about 8 miles north¬ 
west of Cloud Peak, and within 5 miles of its source flows through a 


11 Fisher, C. A., Geology and water resources of the Big Horn Basin Wvo 
Paper 53, pp. 1-5, 1906. ' 


TJ. S. Geol. Survey Prof. 







BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


15 


number of tiny mountain lakes that lie at elevations between 9,000 
and 10,500 feet. Below the lakes the creek continues its north¬ 
westerly course for 19 miles, flowing through a canyon much of the 
way. It then leaves the mountains, flows for 20 miles eastward across 
the Big Horn Basin, and discharges into Big Horn River a few miles 
north of Greybull. Across the lowlands the creek flows through a 
relatively wide valley of gentle slope. 14 It receives numerous short 
mountain tributaries, the largest of which are Willitt, Granite, Cedar, 
White, Trapper, Horse, and Beaver creeks. 

Shell Creek drains the western slope of the Big Horn Mountains 
from Paintrock Basin on the south to Bear Creek basin on the north. 
The upper two-thirds of the drainage basin is on the western slope of 
the Big Horn Mountains, where elevations range from 5,000 feet at 
the base to 11,000 feet at the crest, and the topography is very rugged. 
West of the mountains much of the area is badlands, whose long, 
gradual slopes terminate in irregular and sharp peaks. 

The precipitation decreases rapidly from 25 inches or more at the 
upper end of the drainage basin to 8 inches at the base of the moun¬ 
tains, and then gradually decreases to 6 inches at the mouth. 

Shoshone River .—Shoshone River, the largest tributary of the Big 
Horn, drains the northwestern part of the Big Horn Basin. It rises 
in the Shoshone Mountains near Shoshone Pass, at an elevation of 
10,500 feet, and flows northeastward for 65 miles until it is joined 
by the North Fork. 

Throughout the upper 25 miles of its course Shoshone River flows 
through a canyon, then the valley gradually widens and the side 
slopes become gentler. Just below the mouth of North Fork the 
river enters a canyon, which is 65 feet wide in the narrowest part 
and 3 miles long, 1 mile of which is cut in solid granite having vertical 
walls several hundred feet high in the narrowest part. Below the 
canyon the Shoshone flows across the Big Horn Basin in a valley 
bordered by bench lands, and unites with Big Horn River near Kane. 

North Fork rises in the Absaroka Mountains at an elevation of 
10,500 feet. For the first 30 miles its course is roughly semicircular 
from west to east, with a radius of 6 miles; thence the course lies 
eastward for 35 miles until it joins Shoshone River just above the 
Shoshone Canyon in the Shoshone reservoir of the United States 
Reclamation Service. It flows through a canyon for nearly its entire 
length. 

Both forks receive numerous mountain tributaries, the largest of 
which are Saddle, Needle, Cabin, Deer, Boulder, Ishawooa, Bobcat, 
and Carter creeks for the main fork, and Torrent, James, Crow, 

14 Fisher, C. A., Geology and water resources of the Big Horn Basin, Wyo.: U. S. Geol. Survey Prof. 
Paper 53, pp. 1-5, 1906. 





16 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Grinnell, Eagle, Fishhawk, Clearwater, Sweetwater, Clocktower, Craig, 
Trout, and Rattlesnake creeks and Wapiti River for the North Fork. 

The upper part of the basin, including the eastern slopes of the 
Shoshone and Absaroka mountains, is a high, deeply dissected pla¬ 
teau, traversed by many deeply cut canyons and bordered by a broad 
belt of low foothills. The altitude ranges from 7,000 to more than 
12,000 feet. The part of the drainage basin east of the mountains 
and south of the river is made up of gradual slopes which are trav¬ 
ersed by high ridges and deep ravines, the southern boundary of the 
basin being a high escarpment that slopes gradually to the south. 
North of the river the drainage basin is bounded by the high plateau 
that separates it from the basin of Clark Fork. Garland Flats, a 
broad level area comprising about 100 square miles, extends from 
the base of the mountains northeastward as far as Garland, and from 
the river to the high plateau at the north. Between Garland and 
Cowley is a series of low, irregular sandstone hills separated by wide 
shallow valleys that lead to Shoshone River. To the east the surface 
iises gradually toward the hogback ridges that border the base of 
the divide between Clark Fork and Shoshone River. 15 

The annual precipitation increases from 6 inches at the lower end 
of the drainage basin to 10 inches at the reservoir. Beyond that 
point the increase is much greater, reaching a maximum of more 
than 30 inches at the crest of the nymntain ranges. 

MEASURED DRAINAGE AREAS. 

Measured drainage areas in the Big Horn River basin. 

Big Horn River and its tributaries above Popo Agie River. 


Stream. 


Wind River. 

Do. 

Do. 

Big Horn River. 

Do. 

Do. 

Du Noir River... 

Warm Spring Creek. 

Jakeys Creek. 

Torreys Creek. 

North Fork of Wind River. 
East Fork of North Fork... 
Bear Creek.... 

West Fork of Wind River. 

Dry Creek. 

Crow Creek. 

Dry Creek. 

Bad water Creek. 

Bridger Creek... 

Muddy Creek.. 

Buffalo Creek... 

Kirby Creek. 

Meeyero Creek. 

Cottonwood Creek 

Grass Creek. 

Gooseberry Creek 



Dubois, including Horse Creek 

Crow Creek. 

Gaging station at Riverton 
Gaging station at Thermopolis 
Shoshone River 
Montanaline 
Mouth.... 

.do— 

.do_ 

.do_ 

.do_ 

.do_ 

.do_ 

.do_ 

.do_ 

.do_ 

.do_ 

.do_ 

.do.... 

.do_ 

.do.... 

.... .do.... 

.do— 

.do_ 

..... do.... 

.... .do.... 


Area in 
square 
miles. 


486 

1,410 

2,320 

8,080 

15,900 

18,700 

90 

89 

65 

68 

398 

159 

68 

200 

94 

101 

186 

835 

169 

455 

130 

270 

432 

211 

148 

422 


Paper 53^ f pp.’S!° gy “ d W3ter resouroes »' «“ B ‘« Horn Basin, Wyo, U. S. Geol. Survey Pr, 

















































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN 


17 


Measured drainage areas in the Big Horn River basin —Continued. 

Horse Creek and tributaries. 


Stream. 

Drainage area above— 

Area in 
square 
miles. 

Ilorse Creek. 

West Fork. 

30 

Do. 

Burroughs Creek 

52 

Do. 

Mouth. 

122 

■West Fork. 


8 

Burroughs Creek. 

.do. 

10 





Popo Agie and Little Wind rivers. 


Middle Fork of Popo Agie River. 

Sec. 24, T. 32 N., R. 101 W. 

84 

204 

Do. 

Forks/.*.. 1 . 

Baldwin Creek. 

Mouth. 

61 

Popo Agie River. 

Little Wind River. 

815 

* Do/.. 

Mouth near Riverton.... 

2 010 

North Fork of Popo Agie River. 

Forks. 

*185 

Little Popo Agie River. 

Twin Creek. 

116 

Do..?_ 7 . 

Mouth. 

346 

Beaver Creek. 

Mouth near Arapahoe... 

436 

North Fork of Little Wind River. 

Forks.!. 

241 

South Fork of Little Wind River. 

.do. 

121 

Little Wind River. 

Mouth at Arapahoe. 

716 





Owl Creek and its tributaries. 


North Fork. 

Forks. 

101 

179 

South Fork. 

.do. 

Owl Creek. 

Gaging station in sec. 16, T. 43 N., R. 95 W. 

463 

Do. 

Mouth.... 

477 

Mud Creek. 

.do. 

118 





Nowood Creek and its tributaries. 


Nowood Creek. 

Tensleep Creek. 

843 

Do . 

Gaging station in sec. 13, T. 49 N., R. 91 W. 

1790 

Do . 

Mouth. 

2260 

Lost. Creek. 

.do. 

96 

Ot.t.er Creek . . 

.do. 

93 

West Ten sleep Creek. 

Outlet of West Tensleep Lake. 

30 

Do . 

Mouth of East Tensleep Creek . 

53 

F.qst Tensleep Creek. 

Outlet of East Tensleep Lake. 

6 

Do . 

Mouth of West Tensleep Creek. 

38 

Tensleen Creek. . 

Mouth of Lee Creek... 7. 

113 

Do . 

Mouth of Childs Creek. 

139 

Do . 

Mouth of Canyon Creek. 

167 

Do . 

Sec. 12, T. 47 N., R. 88 W. 

228 

Do . 

Mouth. 

264 

Cnnven Creek . 

.do. 

61 

T^rnlrAn hap.lr PrAP.Tr . 

.do. 

81 

Peint.reok Creek . . 

Mouth of North Fork. 

34 

Do . 

Mouth of Middle Fork. 

45 

Do . 

Mouth of South Fork. 

103 

Do . 

Mouth of Medicinelodge Creek. 

199 

Do . 

Mouth. 

398 

"Nert.h Fork ef Paint.roek Creek 

.do.. 

7 

Middle Perk ef Pn.int.rnek Creek 

Outlet of Lake Solitude. 

14 

Do . 

Mouth. 

35 

Smith Perk ef Pn.int.reek Creek 

.do. 

33 

Af ediein el edee Creek . 

.do. 

97 





Greybull River and its tributaries. 


Crevhnll River . 

Wood River. 

406 

Po 

Gaging station at Meeteetse. 

690 

Do . 

Moutlf.. 

1,170 

WnrvT T? i vpr . 

Gaging station at mouth. 

218 

Afeeteetce Creek ... 

Mouth. 

81 





























































































































































18 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Measured drainage areas in the Big Horn River basin Continued. 

Shell Creek and tributaries. 


Stream. 

Drainage area above— 

Area in 
square 
miles. 

Shell Creek. 

Sec. 34, T. 53 N., R. 88 W.- 

Mouth of Willitt Creek. 

31 

39 

71 

100 

256 

561 

20 

16 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Mouth of Granite Creek. 

Mouth of Cedar Creek. 

Shell post office. 

Do. 

Willitt Creek. 




35 


.. .do. 

38 


_do. 

56 


. .do. 

30 

Beaver Creek.1 

.do. 

84 


Shoshone River and its tributaries. 



Mouth of Elk Creek . 

6 

Tin . 

Mouth of Red Creek . 

57 

r>n . 

Mouth of Saddle Creek . 

135 

T>n . 

Mouth of Cabin Creek . 

196 

Fin . 

Mouth of Ishawooa Creek . 

315 


Sec. 26, T. 51 N., R. 104 W . 

532 

. 

no . 

Mouth of North Fork . 

676 

no . 

Sec. 7, T. 53 N., R. 100 W . 

1,740 

no . 

Mouth . 

2,690 


.do . 

6 


.do . 

14 

Sari HI a P.rpplr 

.do . 

8 

f!aVnn rirpplr _ .. 

.do . 

22 

"RmilHp.r nrpp.lr . .. 

.do . 

36 

Ttihawnna P,rpp.lr . 

.do . 

74 

Worth Eorlr of Shoshono Rivor 

Mouth of Torrent Creek . 

12 

Do . 

Mouth oif Jones Creek . 

55 

Do . 

Mouth of Eagle Creek . 

194 

Do . 

Mouth of Fishhawk Creek . 

254 

Do . 

Mouth of Blackwater Creek. 

368 

Do . 

Mouth of Wapiti River. 

423 

Do . 

Mouth of Crag Creek. 

622 

Do . 

Mouth. 

826 

Torren t Creek . 

.do. 

5 

Jones Creek. 

.do. 

26 

Eagle Creek. 

.do. 

57 

Blackwater Creek. 

.do. 

14 

Wapiti River. 

.do. 

144 

Crag Creek. 

.do. 

25 





GAGING-STATION RECORDS. 

BIG HORN AND WIND RIVER BASINS. 

WIND RIVER AT DUBOIS, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 7, T. 41 N., R. 106 W., on footbridge at Dubois. Horse Creek 
enters 100 feet above. 

Drainage area. —486 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —August 4, 1910, to June 30, 1912. 

Gage.— Vertical staff; read by H. Earl French. 

Extremes op discharge.— 1910-1912: Maximum stage recorded, 10.6 feet June 18, 
1911 (discharge, 5,550 second-feet); minimum discharge, 80 second-feet February 
9, 14, March 2, 1911, when stage-discharge relation was affected by ice. 

Diversions. —Above the station adjudicated diversions of 65 second-feet from Wind 
River and its tributaries, prior to January 1 , 1910. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily. Rating curve well defined below 500 second-feet. 
Records good below 500 second-feet; fair above. 























































































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


19 


Monthly discharge oj Wind River at Dubois, Wyo.,Jor 1910-1912. 


Month. 


August 4-31 
September. 


1910. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

< 

The year 


1910-11. 


October. 

November.. 
December... 

January. 

February... 

March.. I_ 

April. 

May. 

June. 


1911-12. 


The period 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

235 

165 

203 

11,300 

200 

150 

175 

10,400 

200 

122 

162 

9,960 

182 

110 

138 

8,210 

131 

90 

111 

6,820 

85 

85 

85 

5,230 

85 

80 

84.4 

4,690 

135 

80 

no 

6,760 

200 

110 

131 

7,800 

770 

135 

445 

27,400 

5,550 

1,160 

2,760 

164,000 

1,250 

481 

783 

48,100 

445 

218 

308 

18,900 

295 

218 

231 

13,700 

5,550 

80 

446 

322,000 

275 

130 

194 

11,900 

207 

130 

179 

10,700 

200 

150 

169 

10,400 

165 

110 

147 

9,040 

150 

135 

142 

8,170 

165 

135 

146 

8,980 

243 

150 

182 

10,800 

1,130 

159 

439 

27,000 

4,400 

1,190 

2,650 

158,000 



255,000 


. 


WIND RIVER AT RIVERTON, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 2, T. 1 S., R. 4 E., at highway bridge three-quarters of a mile 
east of Riverton, Fremont County. Popo Agie River enters three-quarters of a 
mile below. 

Drainage area. —2,320 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming;, scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —May 14, 1911, to September 30, 1921. From May 14, 1906, to 
November 1, 1908, a station was maintained at Walker’s Ferry, 1 mile above 
present station. As no streams enter between, the records at the two points are 
comparable. 

Gage. —Friez water-stage recorder installed April 4, 1917, referred to chain gage on 
downstream side of first pier bent from left bank used since May 15, 1911. From 
May 14, 1906, to November 1, 1908, staff gage at Walker’s Ferry; read by Andrew 
Walker. 

Extremes of discharge. —1906-1908, 1911-1921: Maximum discharge 12,300 second- 
feet; mean daily on June 14, 1906. Maximum stage recorded, 12.8 feet at 11 a. m. 
June 16, 1918 (discharge, 9,300 second-feet); minimum discharge recorded, 226 
second-feet on February 27, 1919. 

Diversions. —Water is diverted from Wind River and its tributaries for the irrigation 
of about 35,000 acres. Under the Wyoming law of 1 second-foot for 70 acres, this 
would require 500 second-feet. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily May 16, 1906, to November 1, 1908, twice daily 
May 15, 1911, to April 4, 1917, after which date there is a continuous record. 
Rating curves fairly well defined except from April 1, 1915, to August 15, 1917, 
for which they are well defined. Records fair before 1915; excellent, April 1, 
1915, to August 15, 1917; good, August 15, 1917, to September 30, 1921; fair, win¬ 
ter periods. 


















































20 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Monthly discharge of Wind River at Riverton, Wyo.,for 1906-1908, 1911-1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1906. 

Mav 14-31 . 

5,330 

12,300 

5,690 

5,550 

1,760 

2,240 

2,600 

1,800 

3,550 
4,480 
3,500 
3,080 

127,000 

267,000 

215,000 

153,000 


July . 

August 1-25. 





762,000 

1907. 

Anfmst 24-31 . 

2,200 

1,940 

1,770 

656 

2,020 

882 

32,100 

52,500 

September. 





84,600 

1907-8. 

Op.tnlifir . 

890 
640 
626 
2,500 
8,260 
7,780 
3,520 
1,210 

1,140 

640 

391 

605 

720 

1,640 

3,600 

1,280 

850 

680 

741 

559 

607 

45,600 
33,300 
10,800 

November . 

T) p.f>. Am hp.r 1 Q f . . 


1,390 85,500 

4,370 260,000 

June. 

July. . .. 

5,110 

2,480 

1,040 

909 

314,000 

152,000 

61.900 

55.900 

August . 

September. 

1908. 

October . 

1911. 

May 15-31 . 

. 

2,160 

10,600 

6,080 

2,240 

1,100 

895 

2,470 

2,390 

825 

441 

1,520 

7,020 

4,310 

1,480 

683 

51,300 
418,000 
265,000 
91,000 
/ 40,600 

June. 


August. 

September. 

The period . 


. 

. 

866,000 

1911-12. i 

October.•. 




672 

489 

400 

525 
o 425 
a 385 
a 365 
o355 
o350 
406 
1,020 
5,950 
3,800 
2,240 
974 

32.300 

25.300 

23.700 

22.400 

20.400 
21,500 
24,200 

62.700 
354,000 
234,000 
138,000 

58,000 

November. 

December. 


January. 



February. 



March. 



April. 

685 

3,200 

8,450 

6,140 

5,660 

1,550 


May. 

388 

2,890 

2,330 

1,180 

712 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 

8,450 


1,400 

1,020,000 

1912-13. 

October. 


930 

536 

709 
375 
300 
275 
265 
300 
775 
3,270 
6,130 
3,680 
2,060 
1,320 

43.600 
22,300 
18,400 
16,900 
14,700 
18,400 
40,000 

201,000 

365,000 

226,000 

127,000 

78.600 

November. 

December. 



January. 



February. 



March. 



April. 

1,120 
9,490 
9,290 
5,340 
2,780 
1,950 

436 

658 

4,040 

2,880 

1,420 

697 

May.. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 

9,490 


1,620 

1,170,000 


-,- 



« Estimated. 

Note.— Records for 1913 and 1914 revised. 


































































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 21 

Monthly discharge of Wind River at Riverton , Wyo.Jor 1906-1908,1911-1921— Contd. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May.,. 

June. 

July. 

August,. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October... 
November 
December. 
January... 
February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


The year 


October. 

November 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July.... r . 

August.'. 

September.... 

The year 


Month. 


1913-14. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


1914-15. 


1915-16. 


1916-17. 


1917-18. 


715 


715 
5,880 
7,900 
4,100 
3,480 
955 


7,900 


918 


2,060 
2,850 
4,640 
4,640 
1,830 
3,660 


Minimum. 


4,640 


1,690 
2,320 
7,120 
5,160 
2,850 
1,010 


7,120 


610 


2,640 
8,860 
9,080 
2,870 
1,410 


9,080 


736 


1,690 
9,300 
3,070 
1,900 
1,110 


9,300 


490 


280 

312 

2,600 

1,820 

1,040 

658 


571 


450 

725 

1,620 

1,720 

1,030 

725 


422 
930 
2,090 
2,710 
970 
478 


478 


378 

1,420 

3,290 

1,320 

762 


335 


465 

1,640 

1,700 

860 

800 


Mean. 


613 

375 

300 

275 

265 

300 

465 

2,640 

4,740 

3,070 

1,880 

803 


1,320 


701 

400 

325 

300 

300 

325 

780 

1,420 

2,730 

2,710 

1,370 

1,590 


1,080 


860 
400 
300 
265 
350 
650 
665 
1,460 
4,740 
3,880 
1,790 
684 


1,350 


561 

350 

280 

270 

275 

275 

496 

1,430 

4,970 

5,800 

1,710 

1,020 


1,470 


512 

340 

275 

365 

270 

300 

440 

1,290 

5,890 

2,370 

1,260 

879 


1,170 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


37.700 
22,300 
18,400 
16,900 

14.700 
18,400 

27.700 
162,000 
282,000 
189,000 
116,000 

47, 800 


953,000 


43,100 
23,800 
20,000 

18.400 
16,700 
20,000 

46.400 
87,300 

162,000 
167,000 
84,200 
94,600 


784,000 


52,900 

23.800 
18,400 
16,300 
20,100 
40,000 
39,600 

89.800 
282,000 
239,000 
110,000 

40,700 


973,000 


34.500 
20,800 
17,200 
16,600 
15,300 

16.900 

29.500 

87.900 
296,000 
357,000 
105,000 

60,700 


1,060,000 


31.500 
20,200 
16,900 

16.300 
15,000 
18,400 
26,200 

79.300 
350,000 
146,000 

77.500 

52.300 


850,000 



































































































































22 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of Wind River at Riverton , Wyo., for 1906-1908 , 1911-1921— Contd. 


Month. 


1918-19. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March.. *. 

April. 

May... 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1919-20. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

Auggst. 

September. 

The year. 


October. 

November_ 

December.. 

January.. 

February.. 

March. .1. 

April. 

May.. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September_ 

The year 


1920-21. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Run-cfif in 
acre-feet. 


Maximum. 


874 

670 


445 
773 
2,220 
1,750 
1,780 
1,780 
1,020 


2,220 


615 

460 


925 

466 

4,340 

7,880 

5,950 

2,450 

832 


7,880 


585 


541 

6,180 

11,200 

4,000 

1,990 

1,120 


11,200 


Minimum. 


Mean. 


680 

759 

305 

516 


287 


231 


235 


349 

368 

501 

485 

1,110 

731 

875 

679 

819 

600 

885 

486 

736 


46.500 
30,700 
17,600 

14.200 

13.100 

21.500 

29.800 

68.200 

52.100 

50.400 

54.400 

43.800 


611 


442,000 


418 

295 


345 

240 

418 

2,760 

2,310 

848 

552 


530 
374 
355 
379 
332 
554 
328 
1,520 
5,770 
3,990 
1,590 
650 


32,600 

22.300 
21,800 

23.300 

19.100 

34.100 

19.500 

93.500 
343,000 
245,000 

97,800 

38,700 


240 


1,370 


991,000 


466 


522 

340 

270 

265 


270 

345 

4,000 

1,270 

1,000 

469 


280 

318 

401 

2,210 

7,190 

2.320 

1.320 
686 


32,100 
20,200 
16,600 
16,300 

15.600 

19.600 
23,900 

136,000 
428,000 
143,000 
81,200 
40,800 


1,340 


973,000 


BIG HORN RIVER AT THERMOPOLIS, WYO. 

Location. In sec. 36, T. 43 N., R. 95 W., at highway bridge between Thermopolis 
and Hot Springs, Hot Springs County. Nearest tributary, Buffalo Creek, enters 
3 miles upstream. 

Drainage area.— 8,080 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming scale 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— May 28, 1900, to December 31, 1905; June 30, 1910, to Septem¬ 
ber 30, 1921. State engineer maintained station during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage.— Chain gage attached to downstream handrail of bridge; installed May 4, 1916, 
at datum 1.00 foot lower than staff previously used. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1900-1905, 1910-1921: Maximum stage from high-water 
mark, 13.4 feet on June 10, 1921 (discharge, 20,800 second-feet); minimum stage 
recorded, 0.2 foot 5 p. m., April 5, 1904 (discharge, 180 second-feet). 

Diversions. Prior to July 1, 1921, there were adjudicated diversions of 16 second- 
feet from Big Horn River above station and 214 second-feet below for irrigation. 
In addition, an adjudicated permit of 366 second-feet for power. 

Accuracy. Gage read twice daily except for occasional periods when it was read 
once. Rating curves fairly well defined for 1900 to 1905, well defined for 1910 to 

1920, and poorly defined for 1921. Records fair 1900 to 1905, good 1910 to 1914 

1921, and excellent 1915-1920. Estimates for winter periods fair. 











































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


23 


Monthly discharge of Big Horn River at Thermopolis, Wyo.,for 1900-1905 , 1910-1921. 


Month. 


June. 

July. 

August. 

September 1-18. 


1900. 


The period. 


May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1901. 


The period. 


June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1902. 


The period. 


March 27-31. 

April.. 

May.. 

June.. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 


1903. 


The period. 


October. 
.April.... 
Ma\ 


1903-4. 


T la y. 

June.. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


October. 
April.... 
Ma> 


1904-5. 


T la y. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1905. 


October... 

November. 

December. 


1910. 


August.... 
September. 


1910-11. 


October.... 
November. 
December. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 
September. 


The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. . 

Run-oil in 




acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 


12,600 

7,270 

9,620 

572,000 

7,050 

2,870 

4,700 

289,000 

3,530 

2,210 

2,730 

168,000 

2,210 

674 

1,370 

48,900 

-. 



1,080,000 




17,000 

2,980 

10,100 

621,000 

14,600 

5,840 

8,740 

520,000 

6,720 

4,300 

5,890 

362,000 

4,300 

1,990 

2,920 

180,000 

3,530 

1,550 

2,110 

126,000 




1,810,000 





9,890 

2,830 

5,140 

306,000 

4,790 

1,430 

2,830 

174,000 

4,090 

850 

2,630 

162,000 

1,280 

400 

690 

41,000 




683,000 





1,220 

621 

943 

9,350 

1,350 

550 

784 

46,700 

3,040 

990 

1,650 

101,000 

9,840 

2,200 

6,85b 

408,000 

6,940 

2,950 

4,160 

256,000 

2,860 

1,480 

2,150 

132,000 

1,700 

1 _ 

880 

1,240 

73,800 




1,030,000 




880 

620 

797 

49,000 

1,600 

218 

873 

51,900 

12, 800 

1,400 

4,980 

306,000 

14,200 

7,110 

10,400 

619,000 

9,350 

3,820 

6,550 

403,000 

3,920 

1,870 

2,950 

181,000 

2,800 

930 

1,470 

87,500 

1,400 

620 

974 

59,900 

825 

210 

486 

28,900 

5,940 

778 

1,590 

97,800 

10,400 

5,400 

7,160 

426,000 

7; 450 

3,200 

4,660 

287,000 

3,120 

1,440 

2,060 

127,000 

1>00 

685 

1,130 

67,200 

1,260 

555 

818 

50,300 

m 

298 

546 

32,500 

335 

210 

244 

15,000 

3,300 

1,020 

1,640 

10,100 

1,790 

740 

952 

56,600 

940 

740 

805 

49,500 

830 

580 

672 

40,000 

660 

510 

594 

36,500 



475 

29,200 



475 

26,400 



525 

32,300 

730 

450 

632 

37,600 

2,910 

810 

1,900 

117,000 

18,000 

2,590 

10,300 

613,000 

7,280 

2^270 

4,740 

291,000 

2,270 

810 

1,640 

101,000 

1,060 

450 

727 

43,300 

18,000 


1,960 

1,420,000 


-3 


105707—23—wsp 469 














































































































24 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of Big Horn River at Thermopolis, Wyo.Jor 1900-1905 , 1910-1921 

Continued. 


Discharge in second-feet. 
Month. —— 


Maximum. 


Minimum. 


Mean. 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


1911-12. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1912-13. 

October 1-7. 

May 18-31. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1913-14. 

October. 

November.. 

December. 

January.. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1914-15. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1915-16. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


890 

1,060 


1,660 

3,070 

4,730 

19,500 

11,900 

6,540 

2,140 


19,500 


1,750 

14,700 

13,900 

7,810 

4,180 

3,020 


1,280 


2,360 

9,710 

12,800 

4,510 

4,510 

1,390 


12,800 


1,390 


2,530 

4,510 

10,900 

6,000 

3,190 

4,680 


10,900 


3,110 

1,180 


1,880 

3,190 

3,850 

12,400 

8,300 

3,520 

1,180 


12,400 


485 

520 


360 

590 

730 

5,110 

2,570 

1,540 

1,180 


1,230 

3,270 

5,500 

3,520 

2,040 

1,390 


718 

682 

550 

500 

450 

510 

1,170 

1,850 

11,200 

5,750 

3,100 

1,620 


2,350 


1,410 

7,010 

8,960 

5,250 

2,700 

1,920 


980 


800 

1,620 

4.180 
2,450 
1,280 

1.180 


1,060 

640 

480 

440 

450 

560 

1,310 

4.260 
7,110 
3,630 
2,300 

1.260 


1,960 


980 


720 

1,390 

3,930 

2,530 

1,740 

1,620 


1,220 

700 

520 

480 

510 

600 

1,200 

2,590 

5,490 

4,040 

2,350 

2,440 


1,850 


1,280 

440 


720 
980 
1,740 
3,"360 
3,190 
1,230 ' 
685 


1,740 

672 

400 

400 

625 

1,330 

1,350 

2,510 

7,180 

5,220 

2,260 

906 


2,060 


44,100 

40.600 
33,800 
30,700 
25,900 

31.400 

69.600 
114,000 
666,000 
354,000 
191,000 

96.400 


1,700,000 


19,600 

195,000 

533,000 

323,000 

166,000 

114,000 


65,200 

38.100 
29,500 

27.100 
25,000 
34,400 
78,000 

262,000 

423,000 

223,000 

141,000 

75,000 


1,420,000 


75,000 

41,700 

32,000 

29,500 

28,300 

36,900 

71,400 

159,000 

327,000 

248,000 

144,000 

145,000 


1,340,000 


107,000 

45.300 
24,600 
24,600 
36,000 
81,800 

80.300 
154,000 
427,000 
321,000 
139,000 

53,900 


1,490,000 


Note.—R ecords for 1913 and 1914 revised. 


































































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN, 


25 


Monthly discharge of Big Horn River at Thermopolis, Wyo ., for 1900-1905,1910-1921— 

Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean . 

acre-feet. 

Oet.nber. 

1916-17. 

1,030 

720 

919 

56,500 

39.200 
26,400 
24,600 

22.200 
39,000 
69,000 

178,000 

613,000 

593,000 

151,000 

92,800 

November. 

935 

390 

658 

December. 

430 

January. 



400 

February. 



400 

March. 



635 

April.. 

1,740 
6,000 
19,400 
16,900 

650 

1,160 
2,900 
10,300 
9,650 
2,460 
1,560 


890 

June... 

3,360 
5,340 
1,740 
1,180 

July. 

August. 

5,170 

1,880 

Sp.ntpmbe.r_ _ _ 




The year . 


19,400 


2,620 

1,900,000 




Ootnhp.r- .. 

1917-18. 

1,180 

685 

929 

57,100 
51,400 
41,000 
34,900 
30,300 

51.200 

57.200 
143,000 
726,000 
269,000 

97.200 
69,000 

N ovember . 

i;030 

845 

760 

864 

December . 

375 

667 

January . 

800 

350 

568 

February . 

620 

441 

545 

March . . . 

1,080 

1,440 

3,190 

19,000 

6,000 

2,700 

1,390 

563 

832 

April. .. 

760 

961 


890 

2,330 
12,200 
4,370 
1,580 
1,160 

June . 

3,020 

2,040 

1,030 

1,030 

July . 

August. r . 

Sent.p.mhp.r... .. 



Tho vear. 


19,000 

350 

2,250 

1,630,000 



Oetnber.. 

1918-19. 

1,390 

980 

1,130 

785 

69,500 
46,700 

33.200 

27.100 

24.200 

38.600 

45.600 
120,000 

94,000 

70.100 

80.600 

63.100 

N ovember ... 

'980 

484 

T)ppp.mbpr . . 

760 

390 

540 

.Tarmarv . .. _ ... 

535 

390 

440 

February . 

510 

390 

436 

Mareh _, . 

845 

441 

628 

A pril . 

1,280 
4,340 
4,840 
2,610 
3,600 
1,390 

562 

766 


845 

1,950 
1,580 
1,140 

Jiinp. . 

1,030 

890 


Antmst .. . 

760 

1,310 

Sant.pmbAr ... . 

800 

1,060 




Thp vpar 


4,840 

390 

985 

713,000 




Ontnhpr . 

1919-20. 

1,560 

740 

1 , 160 

71,300 

50.900 
31,400 
31,400 
32,500 

145,000 

64.900 

Nnvpmbftr . 

1,070 

514 

856 

Dpppmbpr . 

611 

416 

510 

.Tanimrv . . . 

820 

425 

511 

Fphrnarv . 

860 

425 

565 

Mar^h . . . 

7,660 

425 

2,360 

April • . - . 

1, 510 

684 

1,090 


8,520 

1,570 

3,760 

231,000 


13,800 

5,550 

9,280 

552,000 


7,500 

2,710 

5,350 

329,000 

A_ _ .. . . 

2; 540 
1,130 

1,130 

1,900 

117,000 

Snnfpmhpr .. 

860 

967 

57,500 






'T'hft vaat 


13,800 

416 

2,360 

1 , 710,000 




CininYiGr 

1920-21. 

1,080 

1,120 

812 

892 

54,800 
46,500 

Knwmhp.r ... 

380 

782 

Dpppmbpr.. 

700 

300 

476 

29,300 

.Tannarv __ . .. 

860 

385 

532 

32,700 

Fpbmarv ............................... 

2,540 

394 

804 

44,700 

M arch . . ... 

2,220 

590 

1,020 

62,700 

Anril . 

1,080 

590 

854 

50,800 


10,500 

660 

3,860 

237,000 


20,800 

6,920 

13,000 

774,000 


6', 840 

1,660 

3,590 

221,000 

A nfmst .... 

3,040 

1,290 

1,810 

111,000 

RAnfpmhpr . .. 

1,410 

820 

1,040 

61,900 






Tho rroar 


20,800 

300 

2,380 

1,730,000 

• 

\ 
































































































26 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


HORSE CREEK. 

HORSE CREEK AT DUBOIS, WYO. 

Location. —At Dubois, in sec. 7, T. 41 N., It. 106 W., 100 yards above the mouth. 

Drainage area. —133 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —August 4, 1910, to June 30, 1912. 

Gage. —Staff gage read by H. Earl French. 

Extremes of discharge. —1910-1912: Maximum stage recorded, 12.3 feet June 18, 
1911 (discharge, 1,000 second-feet based on comparison of flow with Wind River 
at Dubois); minimum stage recorded, 8.75 feet September 29, 30, October 1, 7 
(discharge, 14 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1912, adjudicated diversions of 15 second-feet above 
gaging station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily. Rating curve well defined below 150 second-feet. 
Records good below 150 second-feet; fair above. 


Monthly discharge of Horse Creek at Dubois, Wyo.,for 1910-1912. 


Month. 

% - 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-olT in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

1910. 

August 4-31. 

41 

22 

29.1 

1,620 

September. 

25 

14 

19.2 

1,140 

1910-11. 

October. 

25 

14 

19.9 

1,220 

November 1-19. 

28 

15 

20.8 

785 

May 7-31. 

180 

56 

93.6 

4,640 


1,000 

180 

436 

25', 900 


340 

98 

196 

12,100 

August. 

90 

28 

51.9 

3! 190 

September. 

41 

28 

31.5 

1,870 

1911-12. 

October. 

* 36 

18 

25.8 

1,590 

327 

November 1-6. 

32 

24 

27.5 

April 8-30. 

39 

14 

23.3 

1,060 

215 

18 

83.7 

5; 150 


780 

94 

357 

21,200 


DINWOODY CREEK. 

DINWOODY CREEK NEAR LENORE, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 10, T. 5 N., R. 5 W., at highway bridge on road from Riverton to 
Dubois, 14 miles northwest of Lenore. 

Drainage area —114 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming- scale 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— April 10 to October 31, 1909; May 15, 1918, to September 30 
1921. 

Gage. Staff gage used in 1909; Stevens 8-day recording gage installed May 15, 1918, 
on left bridge abutment, referred to datum of original gage. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1909 and 1918-1921: Maximum discharge during period, 
1,460 second-feet at 5 p. m. June 12, 1921 (gage height, 3.5 feet). Minimum dis¬ 
charge recorded, 10 second-feet during winter. 

Diversions.— One small ditch diverts water from Dinwoody Creek above station 

Accuracy.— In 1909 gage read once daily and since 1918 gage heights obtained from 
continuous record. Rating curve fairly well defined in 1909 and well defined 
below 700 second-feet since 1918. Records good for 1909 and excellent since 1918 
except during winter, i or which they are fair. 








































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN 


27 


Monthly discharge of Dinwoody Creek, near Lenore, Wyo.,for 1909, 1918-1921 . 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

[ 

Maximum. ; Minimum, i Mean. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

1909. 





May 14-31. 

186 

30 

94.1 

3,360 

June. 

754 

160 

438 

26,100 

July. 

1,030 

285 

640 

39,400 

August. 

714 

250 

476 

29,300 

September. 

954 

50 

287 

17,100 

October. 

116 

50 

76.4 

4,700 

The period. 



353 

120 000 

1918. 




May 16-31. 

151 

82 

108 

3,430 

June. 

1,320 

137 

825 

49 ; 100 


782 

347 

561 

34,500 

August. 

768 

205 

389 

23,900 

September. 

296 

88 

166 

9,880 

The period. 




121,000 

1918-19. 



— 

October. 

100 

37 

59.0 

3,630 

November. 

36 

11 

24.1 

1.430 

December. 



13.0 

‘ 799 

January. 

14 

12 

13.5 

830 

February. 



14.0 

778 

March. 

17 

12 

13.8 

848 

April. 

21 

13 

14.4 

857 


43/ 

22 

104 

6,400 

June. 

470 

98 

257 

15,300 


710 

459 

548 

33,700 

August. 

686 

356 

430 

26,400 

September. 

464 

92 

264 

15,700 

The year. 

710 


147 

107,000 

1919-20. 



' 

October. 

105 

33 

62 8 

3, S60 

November. 

46 

12 

22.1 

1,320 

December. 

26 

10 

17.8 

1,090 

January. 

16 

10 

13.9 

'855 

February. 

24 

13 

18.5 

1,060 

March. 

24 

13 

16.6 

1,020 

April. 

20 

16 

17.8 

1,060 


319 

16 

106 

6,520 


645 

194 

440 

26,200 

July. 

625 

495 

590 

36,300 

August. 

600 

226 

427 

26,300 

September. 

355 

47 

143 

8,510 

The year. 

645 

10 

157 

114,000 

1920-21. 





October. 

50 

35 

38.9 

2,390 

November. 



26.1 

1,550 

December. 

. 


25.5 

1,570 

January . 



14.0 

'861 

February. 



11.6 

644 

March. 



14.0 

861 


24 

14 

19.4 

1,150 


435 

19 

134 

8,240 


1,410 

319 

825 

49,100 


870 

292 

552 

33,900 

August. 

487 

284 

364 

22,400 

September. 

391 

44 

133 

7,910 

The. year . 

1,410 


180 

131,000 







DRY CREEK. 

DRY CREEK NEAR LENORE, WYO. 

Location. —In S\V. £ sec. 12, T. 4 N., R. 5 W., half a mile above head of Dry Creek 
ditch and 12 miles west of Lenore on Wind River Diminished Reservation. 
Little Dry Creek enters 2 miles below. 

Drainage area. —73 square miles. 

Records available. —May 19 to September 30, 1921. 
































































































28 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Gage. —Gurley water-stage recorder at left bank. 

Extremes of discharge— Maximum stage from high-water mark, 3.9 feet about 
June 12 (discharge, 1,100 second-feet); minimum discharge recorded, 2.2 second- 
_ feet on February 23, 1921. 

Diversions. —One small ditch diverts water above station. Prior to July 1, 1921, 
adjudicated diversions of 12 second-feet from Dry Creek below station. 

Accuracy. —Gage heights from continuous record except during high-water period 
when recorder did not operate. Rating curves fairly well defined below 500 
second-feet. Records good below 500 second-feet; fair above. 


Monthly discharge of Dry Creek near Lenore, Wyo. } for the year ending Sept. 30 t 1921 



Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Month. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

Mav 10-31 . 

250 

71 

137 

3,530 


1,050 

183 

511 

30,400 


238 

77 

142 

8,730 

Anorist. . 

104 

46 

58.7 

3,610 

September. 

54 

15 

27.7 

1,650 



. 

. 

47,900 







WILLOW CREEK. 

WILLOW CREEK AT J. K. RANCH, NEAR LENORE, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 29, T. 4 N., R. 3 W., at highway bridge at J. K. ranch, 3 
miles south of Lenore. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available. —January 17 to October 31, 1909. 

Gage. —Staff gage on downstream side of bridge near center. 

Extremes of discharge. —1909: Maximum stage recorded, 4.5 feet June 5 (dis¬ 
charge, 408 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 1.0 foot September 13, October 
26-31 (discharge, 3 second-feet). 

Diversions. —One or two ditches divert water from Willow Creek above station. 
Accuracy. —Gage read once daily. Rating curve well defined below 175 second-feet. 
Records good below and fair above 175 second-feet. 


Monthly discharge of Willow Creek at J. K. ranch , near Lenore , Wyo. y for 1909. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

May 15-31. 

115 

8 

28.5 

961 


408 

32 

177 

10,500 


224 

14 

70.4 

4,330 

August. 

30 

6 

13.4 

824 

September. 

20 

3 

12.4 

738 

October. 

10 

3 

7.7 

473 

The period. 




17,800 






BULL LAKE CREEK. 

BULL LAKE CREEK NEAR LENORE, WYO. 

Location. —Near north line sec. 17, T. 3 N., R. 2 W., at highway bridge 14 miles 
southeast of Lenore. No tributary between station and mouth, a quarter of a 
mile below. 

Drainage area, —132 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale 
1 : 500,000). 























































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 29 

Records available —May 18, 1918, to September 30, 1921. During 1909 eight dis¬ 
charge measurements made, but no daily gage heights obtained. 

Gage. —Stevens 8-day recording gage fastened to downstream pier of bridge. 

Extremes of discharge. —1918-1921: Maximum stage from water-stage recorder, 
4.2 feet at 2 p. m., June 16, 1918 (discharge, 3,990 second-feet); minimum dis¬ 
charge recorded, 18 second-feet March 21-28, 1921. 

Diversions. Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversion of 3 second-feet above 
station; none below. 

Accuracy.— Gage heights from continuous record. Rating curve well defined below 
2,200 second-feet. Records excellent except during winter, for which they are 
fair. 

Monthly discharge of Bull Lake Creek near Lenore, Wyo., for 1918-1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1918. 





May 18-31. 

320 

204 

258 

7,160 

June... 

3,900 

345 

2,270 

135,000 

July. 

1,090 

463 

768 

47', 200 

August. 

866 

229 

436 

26,800 

September. 

310 

149 

200 

li; 900 

The period. 




228,000 

1918-19. 




October. 

222 

78 

142 

8,730 

November... 

78 

35 

55.2 

3,280 

December. 



25.0 

1,540 

January. 



20.0 

1, 230 

February. 



18.0 

1,000 

March...'. 



20.0 

1 230 

April. 

66 

20 

26.6 

1,580 


1,690 

80 

417 

25,600 

June.. 

1,220 

366 

539 

32,100 


612 

475 

552 

33,900 

August. 

612 

306 

398 

24,500 

September. 

475 

134 

313 

18,600 

The year. 

1,690 


212 

153,000 

1919-20. 





October. 

221 

125 

165 

10,100 

N ovembor. 



50 

2,980 

December. 



25 

1,540 

January. 



25 

1,540 

February. 



25 

1,440 

March...'. 



27 

1,660 

April. 

54 

25 

39.2 

2,330 


1,260 

46 

397 

24,400 

June. 

2,180 

668 

1,470 

87,500 

July. 

1, 590 

810 

1 ,180 

72,600 

August. 

800 

290 

536 

33,000 

September. 

253 

118 

165 

9,820 

The year . 

2,180 


345 

250,000 

1920-21. 



October. 

118 

54 

90.3 

5,550 

Nnvftmbftr . 



75 

4,460 

December.. . 



50 

3,070 

January.. . 



40 

2,460 

Febrnarv... 



35 

1,940 

March. 

32 

18 

23.2 

1,430 

April. 

100 

19 

66.7 

3,970 


1,510 

77 

529 

32,500 


2,950 

1,180 

1,830 

109,000 


1,550 

626 

1,080 

66,400 

August. 

811 

585 

659 

40,500 

September. 

600 

81 

213 

12,700 

ThavAar . 

2,950 


392 

284,000 


































































































30 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


POPO AGIE AND LITTLE WIND RIVER BASINS. 
MIDDLE FORK OF POPO AGIE RIVER NEAR LANDER, WYO. 


[Formerly Popo Agie River near Lander, V yo.] 

Location. —In center of sec. 24, T. 32 N., R. 101 W., at Middle Fork ranger station, 
2\ miles above the “Sinks” and 11 miles southwest of Lander, Fremont County. 

Nearest tributary enters from south, 3 miles below. 

Drainage area.—54 square miles (measured on map in Forest Service atlas). 
Records available.— April 1,1911, to June 30,1912; April 9,1918, to August 15,1921. 
Gage— Stevens water-stage recorder installed October 1, 1919, and referred to ver¬ 
tical staff fastened to downstream side of Forest Service bridge used previous y. 
Vertical staff gage a short distance downstream used in 1911 and 1912; referred 

to different datum. 

Extremes of discharge— 1911-12; 1918-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 4.1 feet 
on June 1, 1921 (discharge, 2,720 second-feet); minimum discharge, 6 second-feet 

on February 4, 7, 8, 1919. . . 

Diversions. —None above station. Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 

180 second-feet from Middle Fork below station. 

Accuracy. —Staff gage read once daily during 1911 and 1912, twice daily during 1918 
and 1919; continuous record during 1920 and 1921, except during periods when 
observer was away. Rating curve fairly well defined. Records good. 


Discharae of Middle Fork of Popo Aqie River above and below the “Sinks” in sec. 1\ 

32 N., R. 100 W. 


T. 



Date. 




Discharge in sec¬ 
ond-feet. 

•» 

t 



Above 

“Sinks.” 

Below 

“Sinks.” 

February 28,1919. 

Jfl.nna.rv 15. 1Q21 





9.2 
13.5 

12.6 

14.8 

Fflhmarv21. 1921 





16.1 

20.6 

January 16,1922. 





17.8 

24.5 


Monthly discharge of Middle Fork of Popo Agie River near Lander , Wyo.,for 1911-1912, 

1918-1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1911. 

April. 

77 

423 

708 

351 

137 

60 

10 

43 

348 

152 

30 

20 

22 

211 

507 

250 

79.8 

32.2 

1,310 

13,000 

30,200 

15,400 

4,910 

1,920 

May. 

June... 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 




66,700 

1911-12. 

October. 




106 

26 

20 

12 

43.8 

14 

14 

10 

8 

8 

8 

131 

483 

2,690 

833 

861 

615 

460 

492 

476 

8,060 

28,700 

November. 

December. 

January. 



February. 



March. 







513 

693 

10 

252 


The period. 




43,200 

• 



--— 






























































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


31 


Monthly discharge of Middle Fork of Popo Agie River near Lander , Wyo.,for 1911-1912, 

1918-1921 —('on tinu ed. 


Month. 


April 9-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


1918. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


1918-19. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


1919-20. 


1920-21. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May.. 

June. 


The period 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

135 

25 

72.8 

3,180 

255 

103 

190 

11,700 

1,240 

228 

511 

30,400 

255 

76 

1S3 

11,300 

119 

19 

52.9 

3,250 

129 

23 

62.8 

3,740 




63 600 





100 

11 

52.0 

3,200 

30 

9 

14.5 

863 

20 

12 

15.9 

978 

14 

7 

11.2 

689 

8 

6 

7.6 

422 

16 

8 

9.5 

584 

160 

9 

41.6 

2,480 

870 

48 

257 

15,800 

285 

109 

186 

11,100 

117 

25 

51.9 

3,190 

65 

10 

23.3 

1,430 

70 

12 

29.8 

1,770 

870 

6 

58.7 

42,500 

72 

17 

33.1 

2,040 

31 

11 

15.7 

934 

26 

11 

8.6 

1,140 

19 

12 

15.6 

959 

14 

10 

10.6 

610 

16 

10 

13.7 

.842 

28 

14 

19.3 

1,150 

618 

28 

223 

13,700 

1,140 

406 

671 

39,900 

561 

152 

313 

19,200 

152 

24 

94.2 

5,790 

60 

21 

37.6 

2,240 

1,140 

10 

122 

88,500 

, ■ 

47 

24 

34.4 

2,120 



20 

1,190 



18 

l' 110 

1 . 


14 

'861 


■ 

15 

833 

26 


21 

1,290 

74 

25 

44.8 

2,670 

818 

35 

327 

20,100 

2,720 

640 

1,300 

77,400 




108,000 





POPO AGIE RIVER BELOW ARAPAHOE, WYO. 


(Formerly Little Wind below Arapahoe, Wyo.) 

Location. —In sec. 23, T. 1 S., R. 3 E., at highway bridge half a mile below Arapahoe 
in Fremont County. Nearest tributary, Little Wind River, enters 200 yards 
above. Little Wind River enters Wind River 6 miles below. 

Drainage area. —1,530 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000.) 

Records available. —May 11, 1906, to November 27, 1909; May 14, 1911, to Septem¬ 
ber 30, 1918. Station maintained 1913-14 by State engineer. 

Gage. —Inclined staff at left bank just below bridge, installed October 7,1916; refer - 
red to same datum as vertical staff located on downstream side of first pier from 
left bank, which was read previously. From June 19 to July 19, 1911, a tem¬ 
porary gage was used, whose datum was 2.95 feet higher; during 1915 a temporary 
gage was used whose datum was 0.55 foot higher. All readings have been reduced 
to the original datum. 



















































































32 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Extremes of mscharge.-1906-1909, 1911-1918: Maximum stage, 9.3 feet as deter¬ 
mined from water marks observed soon after high water during several days m 
latter partof June, 1917 (discharge, 9,710second-feet); minimum discharge recorded, 
50 second-feet September 25-27, 1911. Minimum discharge may occur during 
winter when records are discontinued. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 583 second-feet 
from Popo Agie River and tributaries above station. 

Accuracy.— Gage read twice daily except from May 11, 1906, to November 27, 1909, 
when it was read once daily. Rating curves well defined below 6,000 second- 
feet. Records good except above 6,000 second-feet and for winter periods, for 

which they are fair. 


Monthly discharge of Popo Agie River below 


Month. 


1906. 

May 11-31. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1906-7. 

October. 

March 8-31. 

April. 

May 1-20. 

August 9-31. 

September. 


October. 

November 1-12 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1907-8. 


1908-9. 

November 1-8. 

April 18-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1909. 

October. 

November 1-23. 


1911. 

May 14-31. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 

1911-12. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


Arapahoe , Wyo.Jor 1906-1909, 1911-1918. 


Discharge in second-feet. 





Run-olf in 




acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

• 

5,120 

■ 

1,340 

2,740 

114,000 

6.880 

1,520 

3,200 

190,000 

3; 850 

945 

2,290 

141,000 

1,620 

450 

845 

52,000 

555 

285 

390 

23,200 

360 

200 

263 

16,200 

511 

125 

220 

10,100 

567 

225 

364 

21,700 

1,810 

285 

661 

26,200 

1,520 

627 

884 

40,300 

663 

255 

417 

24,800 

360 

255 

293 

18,000 

285 

255 

266 

6,330 

850 

130 

401 

23,900 

1,360 

490 

908 

55,800 

4,310 

850 

2,310 

137,000 

3,520 

920 

1,890 

116,000 

1,500 

190 

896 

55,100 

490 

255 

365 

21,700 

380 

325 

358 

5,680 

324 

184 

250 

6,470 

1,940 

254 

181 

48,000 

6,210 

1,640 

4,420 

263,000 

5,240 

815 

2,590 

159,000 

1,210 

480 

807 

49,600 

1,600 

348 

729 

43,400 

368 

161 

269 

16,500 

176 

116 

146 

6,660 

1,250 

595 

990 

35,300 

9,660 

1,560 

3,890 

231,000 

2,530 

540 

1,430 

87,900 

485 

81 

239 

14,700 

202 

50 

83.4 

4,960 




374,000 




354 

180 

258 

15,900 

212 


160 

9,520 



150 

9 220 



135 

8 ' 300 



130 

7*480 



140 

8 610 

516 


250 

14^900 

3,820 

196 

915 

50)300 

6,780 

1,850 

4,140 

246,000 

3,320 

626 

1,710 

105)000 

1,480 

288 

670 

41)200 

798 

280 

527 

31,400 

6,780 


766 

554,000 



1 -— —-— 























































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN 


33 


Monthly discharge, of Popo Agie River below Arapahoe, Wyo.,for 1906-1909, 1911-1918 — 

Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

I Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1912-13. 





October. 

935 

366 

621 

38,200 

April. 

1,180 

375 

647 

38,500 


4,300 

570 

1,910 

117,000 

June. 

4,000 

1,380 

2,670 

159,000 


2,170 

570 

1,160 

71,300 

August. 

690 

162 

420 

25,800 

September. 

450 

162 

269 

16,000 

1913-14. 





October. 

450 

290 

365 

22,400 

March 23-31. 

226 

174 

204 

3,640 

April. 

834 

174 

362 

21,500 


5,210 

570 

2,020 

124,000 

June. 

5,460 

1,220 

2,470 

147;000 


1,500 

302 

895 

55,000 

August. 

946 

116 

339 

20,800 

September. 

140 

84 

107 

0;370 

1914-15. 





October. 

252 

140 

219 

13,500 

April. 

1,300 

122 

348 

20,700 


1,570 

439 

845 

52,000 


3,560 

1,150 

2,130 

127,000 


1,660 

280 

'944 

5S, 000 

August. 

490 

226 

322 

19,800 

September. 

1,850 

321 

-*- 

792 

47,100 

1915-16. 





October. 

1,000 

366 

591 

36,300 

November. 



250 

14 900 

December. 



165 

10'100 

January. 

. 


150 

9 ' 220 

February. 

. 


145 

8,'340 

March. .T. 



205 

12^600 

April. 

. 

soo 

204 

339 

20,200 


1,520 

625 

926 

56,900 

Tune. 

4,100 

1,130 

2,380 

142,000 


2,160 

598 

1,260 

77,500 

August. 

518 

147 

278 

17,100 

September. 

151 

109 

127 

7,560 

The year. 

4,100 


571 

413.000 

1916-17. 





October... 

340 

96 

254 

15,600 

November 1-9. 

252 

164 

213 

3,800 

April. 

463 

248 

319 

19,000 

May. 

2,263 

318 

1,020 

62,700 

June. 

9; 710 

1,280 

5,100 

303,000 


7,100 

1,130 

3,200 

197,000 

August. 

926 

300 

473 

29,100 

September. 

510 

282 

391 

23,300 

1917-18. 





April 11-30. 

396 

189 

277 

11,000 


1,110 

265 

821 

50,500 


5,340 

1,110 

3,010 

179,000 

July. 

970 

100 

583 

35,800 

August. 

158 

38 

76.8 

4,720 

September. 

372 

41 

199 

11,800 


Note. —Records for 1913 and 1914 revised. 


LITTLE POPO AGIE RIVER AT HUDSON, WYO. 

Location. —At highway bridge three-eighths mile southwest of Hudson in Fremont 
County. No tributary between station and mouth of river, half a mile below. 
Drainage area.—34G square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming, scale 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— August 26, 1907, to November 16, 1909; June 19, 1911, to 
October 31, 1912; April 2, 1914, to September 30, 1917. Station maintained by 
State engineer during 1914. 













































































34 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Gage. —Vertical staff gage at downstream end of center pier of bridge. Ibis gage 
was installed August 25, 1915, at a datum 1 foot higher than the previous gage, 
which was a vertical staff attached to right abutment and used from May 27, 
1912, to October 31, 1912. The original gage was a vertical staff at bridge section 
and referred to same datum as gage used from May 27 to October 31, 1912. (>n 

June 13, 1908, a chain gage 5vas located 300 feet below the bridge and set to read 
the same as bridge gage at the time it was installed. This gage was used until 
May 27, 1912. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1907-1909, 1911-12, 1914-1918. Maximum stage recorded, 
6.6 feet for about one week, June 19-26, 1917, as determined by leveling to high- 
water marks (discharge, 1,490 second-feet); minimum discharge occur during 
winter. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions from Little Popo Agie 
above the station amounted to 59 second-feet. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curves 1907 to 1912 fairly well defined 
below 600 second-feet, and from 1914 to 1918 well defined below 600 second-feet. 
Records are good below and fair above 600 second-feet from 1907 to 1912, and 
excellent below and good above 600 second-feet from 1914 to 1918, except for 
periods of shifting control for which they are fair. 

Monthly discharge of Little Popo Agie River at Hudson , Wyo., for 1907-1909 , 1911-1912 , 

1914-1917. 


Month. 


1907. 

August 26—31. 

September. 


October. 

November.... 
December 1—24 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September 


1907-8. 


October. 

November 1-10 

April 8-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September. 


1908-9. 


October. 

November 1—16 


1909. 


June 19-30. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


1911. 


October. 

November 1-11 

April.. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1911-12. 


1912. 


I 


Discharge in second-feet. 
_Run-off in 


j Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

! acre-feet. 

73 

70 

70.5 

839 

70 

40 

51.3 

3,050 

56 

40 

47.0 

2,890 

50 

31 

41.2 

2.4.50 

35 

25 

28.3 

1.350 

108 

35 

66.9 

3,980 

216 

85 

138 

8.480 

749 

164 

296 

17,600 

326 

84 

181 

11,100 

314 

53 

81.4 

5,010 

73 

44 

49.5 

2,950 

111 

63 

74.9 

4.610 

68 

53 

63.5 

1.260 

112 

34 

66.3 

3,020 

364 

66 

183. 

11,300 

913 

396 

654 

38,900 

671 

S2 

280 

17,200 

66 

41 

50.8 

3,120 

164 

34 

62.6 

3,720 

66 

30 

38.5 

2,370 

30 

21 

27.7 

879 

748 

269 

449 

10,700 

280 

29 

107 

6,580 

30 

20 

23.1 

1,420 

28 

16 

19.8 

1,180 

47 

25 

36.2 

2,230 

47 

41 

44.6 

972 

80 

28 

50.6 

3,010 

594 

45 

189 

11,600 

836 

311 

501 

33, 400 

704 

52 

383 

23,600 

206 

39 

68.5 

4,210 

122 

45 

74.9 

4,460 

164 

« 

94.8 

5, 830 


October 



































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 35 

Monthly discharge of Little Popo Agie River at Hudson, Wyo., for 1907-1909,1911-1912, 

1914-1917 —Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-efl in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1914. 





April 2-30. 

306 

60 

164 

9,430 

Mav. 

782 

157 

339 

20,800 


790 

160 

347 

20,600 

July. 

190 

73 

116 

7 130 

August. 

108 

50 

63.3 

3*890 

September. 

57 

21 

51.6 

3i 070 

The period. 




64,900 

191445. 




October. 

138 

34 

94.6 

5,820 

April. 

185 

61 

91.4 

5,440 


458 

79 

160 

9,840 


690 

154 

309 

18,400 


171 

57 

107 

6,580 

August. 

296 

62 

86.7 

5,330 

September. 

527 

67 

124 

7,380 

1915-16. 





October. 

107 

81 

88.6 

5,450 

November 1-26. 

90 

63 

79.2 

4,080 

April. 

234 

70 

115 

6,840 


380 

186 

247 

15,200 


551 

214 

368 

21,900 


326 

48 

179 

11,000 

August. 

57 

33 

38.7 

2,380 

September. 

46 

37 

41.5 

2,470 

1916-17. 





October. 

94 

44 

oo* 3 

3,400 

November 1-9. 

46 

42 

44.9 

802 

April. 

162 

67 

114 

6,780 


653 

94 

289 

17,800 


1,490 

325 

910 

54,100 

July. 

1,160 

139 

458 

28,200 

August. 

112 

58 

76.8 

4,720 

September. 

74 

57 

64.8 

3,860 


Note.— Records for 1914 revised. 

NORTH FORK OF LITTLE WIND RIVER AT FORT WASHAKIE, WYO. 

Location.— In SW. \ sec. 33, T. 1 N., It. 1 W., at Fort Washakie on Wind River 
Diminished Reservation. North and South forks unite a quarter of a mile below. 

Drainage area.— 241 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1: 500,000). 

Records available.— May 13 to September 30, 1921. 

Gage.— Gurley water-stage recorder at left bank a quarter of a mile above highway 
bridge. 

Extremes of discharge.— Maximum stage during year, from water-stage recorder, 
4.1 feet at 11 p. m., June 6 (discharge, 2,840 second-feet); minimum discharge 
recorded, 22 second-feet on February 22, 1921. 

Diversions.— Several small ditches divert water above station. 

Accuracy.— Gage heights obtained from continuous record. Rating curve fairly 
well defined below 1,200 second-feet. Records good. 

Monthly discharge of North Fork of Little Wind River at Fort Washakie., Wyo., for the year 

ending Sept. 30, 1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

May 13-31. 

1,140 

145 

443 

16,700 


2,070 

462 

1,090 

64,900 


444 

134 

237 

14,600 

August. 

139 

62 

93.9 

5,770 

September. 

67 

39 

55.0 

3,270 

Thp nerinfl . 




105,000 




-- 


















































































36 


SURFACE WATERS OF 


WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


SOUTH FORK OF LITTLE WIN’D RIVER NEAR FORT WASHAKIE, WYO. 

Location. —In SE. i sec. 1, T. 1 S., R. 2 W„ 2* miles above junction with North Fork 
at Fort Washakie, on Wind River Diminished Reservation. 

Drainage area.— 321 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; sea e, 


1: 500,000.) 

Records available. —May 11 to September 30, 1921. 

Gage.— Gurley water-stage recorder at right bank 500 feet above head of Ray ditch. 
Extremes of discharge. -Maximum stage during year from water-stage recorder, 
5.8 feet at 6 a. m. June 12,1921 (discharge, 3,500 second-feet); minimum discharge 


recorded, 14 second-feet on February 22, 1921. 

Diversions.— A few small ditches divert water above station. Several ditches divert 
water below station, the largest being Ray ditch, which irrigates 6,000 acres. 
Accuracy. —Gage heights from continuous record. Rating curves fairly well defined 
below 1,200 second-feet. Records good. 


Monthly discharge of South Fori of Little Wind River near Fort Washakie, Wyo., for the 

year ending Sept. 30, 1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

Mav 11-31 . 

880 

167 

408 

17,000 


1,810 

596 

1,040 

61,900 

21,100 


619 

140 

343 

A mmd; ....... 

167 

78 

110 

6,760 

September. 

97 

40 

62.9 

3,740 




— -- 

. 

110,000 



- 



LITTLE WIND RIVER AT^FORT WASHAKIE, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 33, T. 1 N., R. 1 W., at suspension footbridge, 1 mile below Fort 
Washakie post office and seven-eighths of a mile below junction of North and South 
forks. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available. —November 1, 1908, to September 23, 1909. 

Gage. —Chain gage about 10 yards downstream from suspension bridge; read by J. J. 
Guyer. 

Extremes of discharge. —1908-9: Maximum stage recorded, 5.4 feet June 6, 1909 
(discharge, 2,950 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 1.7 feet November 23 
and 25, 1908 (discharge, 70 second-feet). 

Diversions. —No data. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily. Rating curve fairly well defined below 2,600 
second-feet. Records good. 

Monthly discharge of Little Wind River at Fort Washakie , Wyo., for 1908-9. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

November. 

175 

120 

70 

88 

108 

94.8 

90 

70 

50 

45 

231 

1,900 

6,430 
5,830 
5,530 
3,890 
3,070 
2,680 
14,200 
113,000 

December. 

January. 

February. 



March..!. 

60 

88 

542 

2,950 

34 

28 

62 

410 

April. 

May. 


The period. 




155,000 





































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


37 


LITTLE WIND RIVER ABOVE ARAPAHOE, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 23, T. 1 S., R. 3 E., at railroad bridge opposite the Indian sub¬ 
agency, a quarter of a mile above Arapahoe, in Fremont County. Popo Agie River 
enters a quarter of a mile below. 

Drainage area. —716 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— May 14, 1911, to September 30, 1918. From May 11, 1906, to 
December 17, 1909, a station was maintained a short distance above the present 
one. The flow at the two points is comparable. Station maintained by State 
engineer during 1913-14. 

Gage. —Chain gage on upstream side of railroad bridge. 

Extremes of discharge. —1906-1909, 1911-1918: Maximum stage recorded, 6.6 feet 
7 a. m. June 17,1911 (discharge, 3,840 second-feet); minimum discharge recorded 
24 second-feet 7.20 a. m. September 29, 1916. Minimum discharge may occur 
during winter when observations are discontinued. 

Diversions. —Water is diverted from Little Wind River and tributaries for the irri¬ 
gation of about 52,000 acres. Under the Wyoming law of 1 second-foot for 70 acres 
this would require 743 second-feet. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily except from May 11,1906, to December 17, 1909, 
when it was read once daily. Rating curves fairly well defined. Records gen¬ 
erally good, except during winter, for which the y are fair. 

Monthly discharge of Little Wind River above Arapahoe , Wyo., for 1906-1909,1911-1918. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1906. 





May 11-31. 

2,060 

420 

966 

40,200 


2,840 

685 

1,410 

83,900 


1,640 

420 

1,050 

64,600 

August. 

615 

174 

325 

20,000 

September. 

192 

97 

134 

7,970 

The nerind. 




217,000 

1906-7. 




October. 

125 

50 

78.3 

4,810 

March. 

157 

68 

83 

5,100 

April. 

185 

84 

117 

6,960 

May 1-20. 

450 

72 

192 

7,620 

August 9-31. 

960 

310 

512 

23,400 

September. 

360 

110 

182 

10,800 

1907-8. 





October. 

140 

80 

120 

7,380 

November 1-12. 

140 

80 

112 

2,670 

April. 

285 

. 55 

140 

8,330 


601 

175 

339 

20,800 


1,700 

260 

907 

54,000 


1,700 

491 

943 

58,000 

August. 

1,240 

255 

484 

29; 800 

September. 

215 

130 

158 

9,400 

1908-9. 





November 1-8. 

145 

145 

145 

2,300 

April 18-30. 

135 

92 

107 

2,760 


522 

105 

239 

14,700 


2,280 

468 

1,610 

95)800 


2,320 

390 

1,140 

70,100 

August. 

670 

250 

420 

25,800 

September. 

664 

190 

390 

23,200 

1909. 





October. 

230 

120 

164 

10,100 

November... 

190 

92 

142 

8,450 

1911. 





May 14-31. 

422 

155 

284 

11,300 


3,730 

470 

1,820 

108,000 


1,540 

315 

830 

51,000 

August. 

285 

37 

127 

7,810 

September. 

73 

18 

31.1 

1, 850 





180,000 



1 



































































38 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Monthly discharge of Little Wind River above Arapahoe, Wyo., for 1906-1909,1911-1918 —- 

Continued. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Month. 


Maximum. 


October... 

November. 

December. 

January.... 

February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1911-12. 


The year. 


October... 

April.. 

May.. 

June.. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1912-13. 


October. 

March 26-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 


1913-14. 


October... 

April. 

May.*.. 

June.. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1914-15. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1915-16. 


The year. 


October. 

November 1-14. 

April 8-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1916-17. 


April 11-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1918. 


128 

76 


Minimum 


401 


175 
365 
1, 760 
955 
230 
53 


1,760 


98 
78 
166 
955 
3,220 
2,640 
.500 
230 


130 
311 
2,290 
499 
37 
100 


52 

40 


Mean. 


83. 

55 

55 

50 

50 


265 

1,250 

2,820 

1,350 

855 

273 

58 

50 

635 

314 

120 

100 

OKJ 

88. 

313 

1,670 

773 

350 

190 

2,820 


311 

355 

170 

234 

260 

112 

155 

1,790 

125 

518 

1,650 

495 

1,040 

911 

232 

440 

232 

26 

118 

154 

26 

85.5 

164 

104 

132 

72 

50 

64.3 

214 

35 

89.9 

1,780 

130 

529 

2,400 

370 

848 

480 

130 

307 

286 

45 

124 

39 

15 

25.3 

95 

35 

73.5 

472 

55 

129 

730 

169 

321 

1,700 

500 

856 

695 

101 

401 

175 

74 

95.6 

730 

74 

289 


101 


50 

100 

445 

230 

46 

25 


24 

44 

80 

101 

390 

625 

80 

110 


194 

70 

55 

50 

60 

70 

78.1 

208 

993 

566 

110 

37.3 


209 


52 

76 

334 

33 

21 

22 


69.7 

63.1 

99.2 
368 

1,670 

1,460 

170 

162 


92 

220 

1,340 

261 

26.7 

55.2 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


5,150 

3,270 

3,380 

3,070 

2,880 

3,070 

5,280 

19,200 

99,400 

47.500 

21.500 
11,300 


225,000 


14,400 

9,220 

31.900 

61.900 
27,100 

7,260 

5,090 


8,120 

765 

5,350 

32.500 

50.500 
18,900 

7,620 
1,510 


4,520 

7,680 

19.700 
50,900 

24.700 
5,880 

17,200 


11,900 
4,170 
3,380 
3,070 
3,450 
4,300 
4,650 
12,800 
59,100 
34,800 
6,760 
2,220 


151,000 


4,290 

1,750 

4,530 

22,600 

99,400 

89,800 

10,500 

9,640 


3,650 
13,500 
79,700 
16,000 
1,640 
3,280 






















































































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


39 


TROTJT CREEK AT WIND RIVER, WYO. 

* 

Location.— About sec. 3, T. 1 S., R. 1 W., at footbridge 100 yards south of Wind 
River post office. No tributaries below station. 

Drainage area.— Not measured. 

Records available.— March 8 to August 31, 1909. 

Gage. —Vertical staff on upstream side of bridge near right bank; read by James Miller. 
Diversions. —Very little water diverted above or below. 

Accuracy.— Gage read once daily. Rating curve fairly well defined below 100 
second-feet. Records good. 

Monthly discharge of Trout Creek at Wind River , Wyo., for 1909. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off 

in 

acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

May 6-31. 

56 

11 

28.0 

1 440 


93 

27 

60.2 

3 580 

July 1-26. 

27 

6 

21.5 

i'lio 





OWL CREEK. 

OWL CREEK NEAR THERMOPOLIS, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 16, T. 43 N., R. 95 W., at Whetstine’s ranch, 6 miles north¬ 
west of Thermopolis, in Hot Springs County. No tributary between station and 
mouth. 

Drainage area. —463 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —July 30, 1910, to October 31, 1912; April 1, 1915, to Novem¬ 
ber 30, 1917. Station maintained by State engineer during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage. —Slope gage read by W. E. Whetstine; installed October 13, 1915, at foot¬ 
bridge 50 feet downstream from chain gage used by State engineer, and referred 
to same datum; owing to slope of creek, gage read approximately 0.1 foot lower. 
From 1910 to 1912 chain gage was located on upstream side of highway bridge a 
quarter of a mile above. No definite relation between gage readings. 

Extremes gt discharge. —1910-1912, 1915-1917: Maximum stage recorded, 7.6 fee 
at 6 a. m. June 10, 1915 (discharge, 1,160 second-feet). Creek is dry some years 
during irrigation period. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 16 second-feet 
from Owl Creek above station and 66 second-feet below. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curve July 30, 1910, to October 31, 1912, 
fairly well defined; and April 1, 1915, to November 30, 1917, well defined. 
Records good. 

105707—23— wsp 469-4 




















40 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of Owl Creek near Thermopolis, Wyo., for 1910-1912, 1915 1917 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off 

in 

acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1910. 

10 

197 

0.5 

1.5 

1.39' 

21.9 

855 

1,300 





2,160 

256 

387 

1,140 

228 

175 

7,320 

592 

234 

103 

150 

2,580. 

4,690 

2,400 

1,350 

940 

2,510 

1910- 11. 

March 12-31... 

August. 

September. 

1911- 12. 

6.5 

6.5 

46 

6.5 

6.5 
197 

24 

24 

2.5 

4.0 

110 

201 

315 

127 

45 

93 

2.5 

6.5 

6.5 

2.5 

1.5 

2.5 

2.5 

1.5 
1.5 

4.10 
6.50 
18.6 
3.83 
2.85 
123 

9.63 
3. 81 

1.73 

2.44 

41.9 

78.9 
39.0 

21.9 

15.8 

40.9 

August. 

September. 

1912. 

October. 

8.7 
17 

0 

3.7 
3.7 

22 

1915. 





A-pril. 

38 

.7 

6. 88 

409 


264 

1.2 

26.9 

1,650 


944 

96 

388 

23,100 


223 

.6 

55.6 

3,420 

August.. 

195 

1.6 

47.3 

2,910 

September.. 

333 

53 

108 

6,430 

Thft ncriod. . 




37,960 






1915-16. 





October. 

102 

51 

72.1 

4,430 

November. 

59 

44 

51.9 

3,090 

March 26-31. 

90 

47 

68.0 

809 

April. 

103 

16 

38.1 

2,270 


90 

7 

34.4 

2,120 


110 

8 

50.9 

3,030 


47 

.6 

12.3 

7£6 

August. 

.6 

0 

.37 

22.8 

September. 

1.0 

0 

.37 

22.0 

1916-17. 





October. 

19 

4 

9.4 

578 


515 

6 

143 

8,790 


740 

149 

411 

24,500 


315 

6 

71.7 

4,410 

August. 

12 

1.7 

4.09 

251 

September. 

5.5 

.5 

2.07 

123 

1917. 





October. 

14 

.6 

6.85 

421 

November. 

15 

10 

11.6 

690 


NO WOOD CREEK BASIN. 

NOWOOD CREEK AT BONANZA, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 13, T. 49 N., R. 91 W., at Bonanza, in Big Horn County. Near¬ 
est tributary, Paintrock Creek, enters some distance above. 

Drainage area. —1,790 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— July 29, 1910, to September 30, 1921. Station maintained 
1913-14 by State engineer. 

Gage.— Chain gage at left bank 1,000 feet below the store at Bonanza. Datum may 
be slightly different from that used 1910 to 1912, as bench mark had been destroyed 
and tWA were no means of checking old gage. 

















































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN 


41 


Extremes of discharge.— 1910-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 7.8 feet at 5 p. m. 
June 12-13, 1918 (discharge, 4,080 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 1.55 
feet from July 27 to 31, 1919 (discharge, 1.5 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 81 second-feet for 
irrigation above station and 48 second-feet below. Also power decree for 115 
second-feet below. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily prior to 1918, inclusive, and twice daily since that 
date. Rating curves well defined. Records good. 

Monthly discharge of Nowood Creek at Bonanza , Wyo.,for 1910-1921. 


Month 


1910. 

August. 

September. 


1910- 11. 

October. 

November. 

March 19-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

August. 

September. 

1911- 12. 

October. 

November 1-9. 

June 16-30. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


October... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 
September 


1912-13. 


October... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


1913-14. 


October... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


1914-15. 


1915-16. 

October. 

November. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1916-17. 

October. 

November 1-13. 

April 8-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Run-olT 


Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

111 

acre-feet. 

125 

63 

73 

4, 490 

248 

63 

152 

9,040 

302 

192 

218 

13,400 

247 

140 

187 

11,100 

194 

125 

154 

3,970 

232 

40 

144 

8, 570 

1,330 

138 

575 

35,400 

1,730 

500 

994 

59,100 

268 

45 

88.8 

5,460 

138 

50 

90.0 

5,360 

264 

145 

164 

10,100 

187 

156 

171 

3,050 

1, 960 

1,120 

1, 520 

45,200 

3, 460 

232 

823 

50, 600 

765 

180 

388 

23, 900 

590 

198 

365 

21,700 

540 

325 

*382 

23,500 

1, 910 

340 

1,070 

63, 700 

2,700 

550 

1,350 

83,000 

2,100 

340 

987 

58, 700 

1,320 

150 

475 

29,200 

1,000 

130 

283 

17, 400 

288 

130 

202 

12,000 

28S 

225 

269 

16, 500 

1,890 

240 

671 

39,900 

3,940 

570 

1, 770 

109, 000 

3,400 

750 

1,540 

91,600 

912 

115 

424 

26,100 

460 

63 

146 

8,980 

240 

65 

142 

8,450 

342 

170 

252 

15, 500 

1, 380 

215 

451 

26,800 

2,090 

315 

872 

.53,600 

2,930 

1,130 

1, 960 

117,000 

2,010 

330 

893 

54,900 

675 

228 

330 

20,300 

1,100 

270 

398 

23,700 

502 

255 

349 

21, 500 

460 

382 

395 

23,500 

1,240 

212 

378 

22,500 

1,820 

502 

906 

55,700 

3,780 

1,170 

1,840 

109,000 

1, 520 

150 

544 

33,400 

212 

88 

125 

7,690 

122 

67 

101 

6,010 

383 

122 

228 

14,000 

246 

180 

219 

5,650 

960 

271 

462 

21,100 

2,880 

271 

1,240 

76,200 

3! 480 

960 

2,020 

120,000 

1,740 

156 

807 

49,600 

'331 

37 

143 

8,790 

201 

108 

160 

9,520 
















































































42 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of Nowood Creek at Bonanza , Wyo.,for 1910 1921 Continued. 


Month. 


1917-18. 

October. 

November. 

March 24-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1918-19. 

October. 

November 1-26. 

May 8-31. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1919-20. 

October. 

November. 

March 17-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1920-21. 

October. 

November. 

December 1-9. 

March 7-31. 

April.. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


/-• 



Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

271 

156 

188 

11,600 

290 

185 

226 

13,400 

705 

290 

485 

7,700 

1,310 

290 

560 

33,300 

1,820 

331 

1,290 

79, 300 

4,080 

830 

2,460 

146,000 

1,240 

234 

578 

35, .500 

185 

60 

138 

8,480 

375 

70 

181 

10,800 

475 

217 

286 

17, 600 

290 

252 

264 

13,600 

1,660 

331 

1,080 

51,400 

'615 

142 

33.5 

19,900 

131 

1.5 

24.7 

1, 520 

58 

6.2 

33.4 

2,050 

201 

34 

102 

6,070 

315 

150 

224 

13,800 

275 

135 

193 

11,500 

3,180 

310 

1,160 

34, .500 

'530 

234 

315 

18,700 

2,980 

375 

1,640 

101,000 

3,880 

1,310 

2,110 

126,000 

1,900 

' 185 

798 

49,100 

449 

115 

206 

12, 700 

271 

128 

203 

12, 100 

228 

185 

209 

12,900 

238 

155 

204 

12, 100 

231 

148 

192 

3, 430 

267 

199 

213 

10,600 

332 

199 

236 

14,000 

2,750 

193 

1,020 

62, 700 

2,750 

570 

1,480 

88,100 

514 

37 

171 

10, 500 

70 

33 

55.8 

3,430 

143 

54 

109 

6,490 


TENSLEEP CREEK NEAR TENSLEEP, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 12, T. 47 N., R. 88 W., 800 feet east of county bridge 5 miles above 
Tensleep, in Washakie County. Nearest tributary, Canyon Creek, enters a 
quarter of a mile upstream. 

Drainage area.— 228 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— September 21, 1910, to December 31, 1912; April 19, 1915, to 
September 30,1921. 

Gage.— Stevens water-stage recorder installed May 11, 1918, at left bank 800 feet 
above county bridge, opposite vertical rock cliff; referred to inclined gage previously 
used. Datum lowered 1 foot September 26, 1916. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1910-1912, 1915-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 6.81 
feet at 4 a. m. June 11, 1918 (discharge, 2,360 second-feet); minimum discharge 
recorded, 34 second-feet at 10 a. m. March 6,1920 (gage height, 0.90 foot). 

Diversions.— There is a diversion of about 8 second-feet for power above the station. 
Prior to July 1,1921, adjudicated diversions of 1.2 second-feet for irrigation above, 
and 36 second-feet below station. 

Accuracy— Gage read twice daily during high water and once during remainder of 
period ending May 10, 1918. Continuous record after May 10, 1918, except for 
short periods. Rating curves well defined. Records good except for July, August, 
and September, 1918, and during winter periods, for which they are fair! 




























































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 43 

Monthly discharge of Tensleep Creek near Tensleep , Wyo., for 1910-1912 , 1915-1921. 


September 21-30 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April.. 

May. 

June.. 

July.. 

August.. 

September_ 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July.. 

August.. 

September.... 

The year 


October... 
November 
December. 


April 19-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 

October. 

November. 

December.. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


Month 


1910. 


1910-11. 


1911-12. 


1912. 


1915. 


1915—16. 


1916-17. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-fff 

• 




in 

Maximum 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

115 

79 

93 

1,840 

84 

65 

74 

4,550 

70 

59 

63 

3,750 

62 

56 

59 

3,630 



50 

3 070 



50 

2 780 

55 

45 

47.3 

2'910 

94 

45 

55.2 

3,280 

640 

76 

288 

17,700 

940 

123 

537 

32,000 

195 

70 

105 

6,460 

88 

45 

64.1 

3,940 

55 

45 

51.3 

3,050 

940 


120 

87,100 

65 

45 

56.1 

3,450 

60 

45 

49.8 

2,960 

50 

45 

46.6 

1 2,870 

48 

40 

45.1 

2,770 

47 

36 

43.5 

2,500 

60 

39 

44.5 

2,740 

55 

46 

49.1 

2,920 

1,000 

52 

237 

14,600 

1,840 

402 

1,050 

62,500 

920 

82 

436 

26,800 

566 

89 

233 

14,300 

155 

70 

107 

6,370 

1,840 

36 

200 

145,000 

128 

82 

103 

6,330 

82 

50 

67.9 

4,040 

57 

48 

51.4 

3,160 

830 

205 

398 

9,470 

990 

144 

378 

23,200 

1,190 

281 

686 

40,800 

910 

217 

491 

30,200 

266 

100 

166 

10,200 

296 

93 

131 

7,800 




122,000 





174 

111 

140 

8,610 

115 

65 

93.5 

5,560 

84 

65 

73.7 

4,530 

76 

56 

65.5 

4,030 

71 

55 

62.8 

3,610 

263 

59 

83.8 

5,150 

312 

62 

92.9 

5,530 

791 

130 

350 

21,500 

1,430 

495 

865 

51,500 

639 

139 

327 

20,100 

168 

82 

118 

7,260 

80 

62 

73.2 

4,360 

1,430 

55 

195 

142,000 

120 

63 

78.6 

4,830 

74 

50 

65.4 

3,890 

71 

63 

65.5 

4,030 



60 

3,690 



50 

2,780 



62 

3,810 

76 

50 

59.3 

3,530 

775 

49 

304 

18,700 

1,760 

294 

877 

52,200 

1,110 

158 

531 

32,600 

253 

50 

108 

6,640 

128 

66 

87.8 

' 

5,220 

1,760 


196 

142,000 
























































































































a 


44 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

Monthly discharge of Tensleep Creek near Tensleep, Wyo. } for 1910—1912 , 1915-1921 

Continued. 


Month, 


1917-1& 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1918-19. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 

The year. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May.. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year 


1919-20. 


1920-21. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off 

in 

acre-feet. 

Maximum 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

82 

54 

70.8 

4,350 



55 

3,270 



50 

3,070 



48 

2 ,950 



45 

2 ,500 

212 

45 

68.9 

4,240 

190 

45 

56.7 

3,370 

802 

52 

328 

20,200 

1,850 

236 

940 

55, 900 

360 

130 

204 

12,500 

125 

62 

93.1 

5,720 

123 

58 

- 

78.2 

4,650 

1,850 


170 

123,000 

123 

64 

97.8 

6,010 

77 

42 

63.6 

3,780 

64 

50 

57.8 

3,550 

54 

48 

51.8 

3,190 

51 

45 

48.0 

2,670 

53 

46 

48.1 

2,960 

224 

46 

81.7 

4,860 

950 

108 

491 

30,200 

290 

116 

193 

11,500 

116 

36 

58.9 

3,620 

66 

42 

49.0 

3,010 

66 

43 

57.9 

3,450 

950 

36 

109 

78,800 

68 

54 

62.0 

3,810 

67 

45 

56.5 

3,360 

54 

45 

48.8 

3,000 

55 

43 

45.9 

2,820 

48 

44 

45.7 

2,630 

60 

37 

48.2 

2,960 

66 

47 

49.9 

2.970 

1,050 

58 

290 

17.800 

1,900 

380 

957 

56,900 

850 

160 

401 

24.700 

228 

99 

139 

8,550 

203 

91 

125 

7; 440 

1,900 

37 

189 

137,000 

90 

51 

70,3 

as 

4,320 

Q C7A 



fiO 

Oy O/U 
<1 AQA 

56 

49 

51.5 

Oy oyu 

3,170 

56 

40 

50.6 

2,810 

49 

43 

46.6 

2,870 

52 

43 

47.5 

2 ; 830 

1,200 

48 

439 

27,000 

1,020 

228 

563 

33,500 

216 

56 

115 

7,070 

78 

48 

57.6 

3,540 

70 

45 

55.7 

3; 310 

1,200 

40 

135 

98,000 




























































































BIG HORN RIYER BASIN. 


45 


PAINTROCK CREEK NEAR HYATTVILLE, WYO. 


Location. —In sec. 25, T. 50 N., R. 89 W., at mouth of canyon, 6 miles above Hyatt- 
ville, Big Horn County. Nearest tributary, Luman Creek, enters three-quarters 
of a mile downstream. 

Drainage area.— 164 square miles (measured on topographic map). 

Records available. —August 8, 1920, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Gurley water-stage recorder at right bank, 1,000 feet upstream from bridge 
at State fish hatchery. 

Extremes of discharge. —Maximum stage from water-stage recorder, 5.2 feet at 
midnight May 28, 1921 (discharge, 1,370 second-feet); minimum stage, 0.29 foot 
from 10 a. m. to 1 p. m. February 17, 1921 (discharge, 14 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Above all diversions except that for Rhinehart ditch, which irrigates 
12 acres. 

Accuracy. —Gage heights from continuous records. Rating curve well defined. 
Records excellent except during winter, for which they are fair. 

Monthly discharge of Paintrock Creelc near Hyattville, Wyo., for 1921-1921. 


Month. 


1920. 

August 8-31. 

September. 


1920-21. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

J une.. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off 

in 

acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

188 

55 

97.1 

4,620 

107 

46 

66.3 

3,950 

45 

29 

38.6 

2,370 



23 

1,370 



20 

1,230 



20 

1,'230 



20 

1,110 

23 

21 

22.1 

l',360 

35 

22 

27.4 

1,630 

1,030 

36 

393 

24,200 

915 

240 

627 

37,300 

205 

58 

111 

6,820 

63 

35 

48.8 

3,000 

40 

31 

35.6 

2,120 

1,030 


115 

83,700 


PAINTROCK CREEK NEAR BONANZA, WYO. 

Location.— About sec. 19, T. 49 N., R. 90 W., at Paumer’s ranch, 1£ miles above 
Bonanza. No tributary between station and mouth, half a mile below. 

Drainage area. —398 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— July 28, 1910, to October 31,1913; April 19,1915, to September 
30, 1921. Station maintained by State engineer during 1913. 

Gage.— Vertical staff at right bank 300 feet below ranch house. From July 28, 1910, 
to October 31, 1913, there was a chain gage near house. No definite relation 
between two gages as high water changed channel between. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1910-1913, 1915-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 5.3 feet 
at 8 a. m. June 12, 1918 (discharge, 3,390 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 
0.67 foot July 27, 1919 (discharge, 0.7 second-foot). 

Diversions.— Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 68 second-feet from 
Paintrock Creek; all above station. 

Accuracy.— Gage read twice daily. Rating curves fairly well defined 1910-1913, 
and well defined 1915-1918 except for periods of shifting control in 1916-1918. 
Records good for 1910-1913, 1915, 1920; excellent for 1917 and 1921; fair for 1916 
and 1918, and winter periods. 




































46 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of Paintrock Creek near Bonanza , Wyo., for 1910-1913 , 1915-1921 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

_ 

Run-ell 

in 

acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1910. 

25 

79 

16 

16 

19.6 

39.0 

1,210 

2,320 






3,530 

1910-11. 

Oot.nhpr .. 

89 

77 

57 

66 

54 

76.4 

66.4 

51.4 
40 

40 

35.3 

21.1 

303 

556 

56.8 

36.5 

25.5 

4,700 
3,950 
3,160 
2,460 
2,220 
2,170 
1,260 
18,600 
33,100 
3,490 
2,240 
1,520 

NnvfimhAr ......................... 










April _ _ _ 

39 

750 

950 

165 

130 

54 

10 

13 
120 

14 
13 
10 




Alienist _____ 

^p.ntomhp.r . 

The vear ... 

950 


109 

78,900 

1911-12. 

October . 


82 

68 

45 

61.3 
51.9 
35 

35 

35 

35 

39.3 
192 

1,130 

474 

176 

104 

3,770 
3,090 
2,150 
2,150 
2,010 
2,150 
2,340 
11,800 
67,200 
29,100 
10,800 
6,190 

"Nnvfimhfir . ..... 

December ... 


Jannarv ...... 



Ffihmarv ........ 



March.. . 



April. 

54 

790 

1,850 

1,430 

590 

234 

34 

36 

575 

102 

30 

18 



July. 

Aiiptist... 

September. 

The year. 

1,850 


197 

143,000 

1912-13. 

October. 


240 

79 

120 

70 

50 

45 

45 

50 

241 

731 

590 

276 

162 

127 

7,380 
4,170 
3,070 
2,770 
2,500 
3,070 
14,300 
44,900 
35,100 
17,000 
9,960 
7,560 

November. 

December. 



January . 



February . 



March . 



April . 

565 

1,820 

1,280 

986 

305 

171 

92 

156 

239 

123 

90 

92 



July . 

August . 

September . 

The year . 

1,820 

182 


200 

165 

152,000 

10,100 

1913. 

October . 

156 

1915. 

April 19-30. 

946 

834 

1,440 

958 

250 

350 

121 

39 

296 

140 

62 

51 

393 

272 

656 

430 

97.0 

117 

9,350 
16, 700 
39,000 
26,400 

5.960 

6.960 

May . 

June . 

July . 

August . 

September . 

The period . 




104,000 

1915-16. 

October . 




182 

105 

105 

80 

134 

88.2 

65 

55 

55 

60 

71.4 

228 

893 

228 

28.8 

21.9 

8,240 

5.250 
4,000 
3,380 
3,160 
3,690 

4.250 
14,000 
53,000 
14,000 

1,770 

1,300 

November. 

December. 

January. 



February. 



March. 



April. 

137 
825 
2,620 
650 
80 
38 

53 

63 

332 

55 

9 

14 




August . 

September . 

The year.. 

2,620 


160 

116,000 




Note.— Records for 1913 revised. 
















































































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


47 


Monthly discharge of Paintrock Creek near Bonanza , Wyo., for 1910-1913 , 1915-1921 — 

Continued. 


October... 
November 
December. 
January... 
February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June../.. 

July... 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


Month. 


1916-17. 


1917-18. 


1918-19. 


1919-20. 


1920-21. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


99 


Minimum. 


935 
2,180 
815 
180 
83 


2,180 


108 

91 


184 

895 

2,620 

456 

188 

159 


2,620 


247 

100 


375 

922 

280 

44 

8 

30 


922 


78 


66 

1,060 

1,990 

850 

170 

72 


1,990 


74 

92 


55 

1,500 

1,160 

199 

21 

30 


1,500 


41 


39 

285 

139 

12 

35 


30 

66 


30 

68 

342 

55 

28 

28 


Mean. 


1 , 


77.8 

55 

50 

45 

40 

40 

35 

363 

010 

423 

56.4 

58.0 


188 


Run-cff 

in 

acre-feet. 


1 , 


60.0 

77.8 

50 

35 

35 

30 

63.2 

309 

310 
214 

56.5 

73.7 


90 


21 

105 

47 


.7 

1.7 

2.0 


.7 


192 


124 

75 

50 

35 

30 

25 

87.7 
460 
147 

8.98 
3.73 

14.7 


34 


25 

37 

298 

58 

34 

30 


49 

52 


25 

19 

242 

11 

3 

11 


89.9 


63.8 
50 
40 
30 
30 
38 
37.0 

269 

983 

327 

60.6 

52.9 


164 


64.3 

69.6 
50 
40 
40 
42 
47, 

409 

734 

53.8 

10.7 

18.3 


1 


131 


4,780 

3,270 

3,070 

2,770 

2,220 

2,460 

2,080 

22,300 

60,100 

26,000 

3,470 

3,450 


136,000 


3,690 
4,630 
3,070 
2,150 
1,940 
1,840 
3,760 
19,000 
78,000 
13,200 
3,470 
4,390 


139,000 


7,620 
4,460 
3,070 
2,150 
1,670 
1,540 
5,220 
28,300 
8,750 
552 
229 
875 


64,400 


3,920 

2,980 

2,460 

1,840 

1.730 
2,340 
2,200 

16.500 

58.500 

20,100 

3.730 
3,150 


119,000 


3,950 
4,140 
3,070 
2,460 
2,220 
2,580 
2,800 
25,100 
43,700 
3,310 
658 
1,090 


95,100 






















































































































48 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


GREYBULL RIVER BASIN. 

GREYBULL RIVER AT MEETEETSE, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 4, T. 48 N., R. 100 W., at Meeteetse, Park County. Nearest trib¬ 
utary, Meeteetse Creek, enters 3 miles downstream. 

Drainage area. —690 square miles (measured on topographic map). 

Records available.- —June 11 to September 30,1897; September 14,1910, to October 
31,1912; June 6,1915, to September 30,1916; July 18,1920, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Gurley water-stage recorder at left bank, 1,000 feet above highway bridge at 
Meeteetse; installed August 20, 1920. Staff gage at highway bridge used during 
1897. From 1910 to August 19, 1920, gage at private bridge at Wilson’s ranch 
4^ miles upstream. Flow at two locations practically comparable. 

Extremes op discharge. —1897; 1911-12; 1915-16; 1921: Maximum discharge 

recorded, 4,400 second-feet on July 3, 1912; minimum stage occurred during 
winter. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 102 second-feet from 
Greybull River above station, and 755 second-feet below; also diversion of 149 
second-feet from tributaries entering above. 

Accuracy.— Staff gage read once daily until August 20, 1920, after which date gage 
heights from continuous record. Rating curves fairly well defined. Records 
good except for 1915, for which they are fair, and for 1916 for which they are poor. 

Monthly discharge of Greybull River at Meeteetse, Wyo ., for 1897, 1910-1912, 1915-16, 

1920-21. 


Month. 


1897. 

June 11-30. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1910. 

September 14-30. 

1910-11. 

October. 

November. 

March 15-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


October... 
November 
April 7-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 
September 
October... 


1911-12. 


1915. 

June 0-30. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 




acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 


1,500 

320 

1,020 

_ 

40,500 

1,610 

245 

513 

31,500 

636 

105 

299 

18,400 

135 

65 

104 

6,190 




96,600 

889 

124 

228 

7,690 

206 

141 

181 

11,100 

185 

120 

149 

8,870 

190 

120 

147 

4,960 

190 

105 

137 

8,150 

1,160 

164 

427 

26,300 

3,140 

336 

1,510 

89,800 

1,300 

355 

646 

39;700 

355 

166 

239 

14,700 

190 

176 

180 

10; 700 

176 

151 

159 

9,780 

180 

149 

160 

9; 520 

217 

145 

165 ( 

7,850 

1,300 

158 

493 

30,300 

3,950 

850 

1,970 

117', 000 

4,400 

900 

1,600 

98,400 

1,960 

180 

588 

36,200 

395 

140 

240 

14,300 

395 

120 

222 

... 1 

13,600 

2,260 

725 

1,160 

57,500 

2,260 

328 

744 

45,700 

650 

26)0 

425 

26,100 

1,150 

328 

534 

31,800 




161,000 






























































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


49 


Monthly discharge of Grey hull River at Meeteetse , Wyo., for 1897, 1910-1912, 1915-16, 

1920-21 —Continued. 


Month. 


1915-16. 

October. 

November 1-9. 

March 21-31. 

April. 

May... 

June... 

July. 

August. 

September. 


July 18-31. 
August.... 
September 


1920. 


October... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


1920-21. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

485 

202 

319 

19,600 

202 

168 

194 

3,460 

163 

95 

121 

2,640 

517 

80 

195 

11,600 

1,030 

221 

477 

29,300 

2,000 

638 

1,160 

69,000 

885 

548 

687 

42,200 

615 

390 

485 

29,800 

438 

156 

236 

14,000 

966 

535 

705 

19,600 

845 

172 

362 

22,300 

189 

138 

158 

9,400 

139 

110 

124 

7,620 

158 

78 

105 

6,250 

1,840 

97 

855 

52,600 

3,640 

1,150 

2,030 

121,000 

1,030 

240 

465 

28,600 

669 

191 

301 

18,500 

204 

152 

179 

10,700 


WOOD RIVER NEAR MEETEETSE, WYO. 

Location. —Near line between secs. 22 and 27, T. 48 N., R. 101 W., 1,200 feet above 
the mouth of Wood River and 7 miles southwest of Meeteetse, in Park County. 

Drainage area. —218 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —September 15, 1910, to October 31, 1912; May 10, 1915, to 
November 11, 1916. 

Gage. —Chain gage at left bank 400 feet above bridge, used since April 25, 1916; read 
by Mrs. Adah River. Original gage, which was used during 1910-1912, was ver¬ 
tical staff at bridge. From May 10, 1915, to April 24, 1916, vertical staff located 
at bridge but referred to different datum from original gage. 

Extremes op discharge. —1910-1912, 1915-1917: Maximum stage recorded, 4.4 
feet at 5 p. m. May 15, 1917 (discharge uncertain on account of shifting control); 
minimum discharge probably occurs during winter. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 74 second-feet 
from Wood River. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily. Rating curves fairly well defined. Records 
good except during winter, for which they are fair. 


































50 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION.- 


Monthly discharge of Wood River near Meetcelse, Wyo.Jor 1910-1912, 1915 1916. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off 

in 

acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1910. 

102 

64 

76 

2.410 

1910-11. 

79 

58 

53 

44 

49 

58.7 

53.8 

46.4 
40 

35 

41.1 

37.2 

77.5 
313 

197 

108 

68.7 

3,610 
3,200 
2,850 
2,460 
1,940 
2,530 
2,210 
4,770 
18,600 
12,100 
6,640 
4,090 




53 

140 

665 

246 

153 

85 

41 

138 

129 

76 

50 




Alienist. _ -----.. 


The year. 

665 


89.8 

65,000 

1911-12. 

Opf.nhftr ..... 

72 

90 

28 

78 

53.2 

72.3 
50 

45 

40 

40 

60.5 

227 

745 

272 

170 

109 

3,270 

4.300 
3,070 
2,770 

2.300 
2,460 
3,000 

14,000 
44,300 
16,700 
10,500 
6,490 

Nmflrrthfir __ ____ 











April . , .. 

120 

600 

1,700 

468 

468 

176 

38 

58 

415 

135 

76 

49 



August. 

September. 

'ThAvfta.r. . 

1,700 

170 


156 

144 

114,000 

8,850 

1911. 

October. 

115 

1915. 

May 10-31. 

August. 

322 

494 

380 

268 

575 

135 

228 

115 

105 

146 

191 

353 

196 

165 

246 

8,330 
21,000 
12,100 
10,100 
14,600 

September. 

The period. 




66,100 

1915-16. 

October. 




218 

115 

115 

81 

150 

93.8 

75 

50 

40 

62 

84.0 

220 

431 

224 

121 

72.3 

9,220 
5.580 
L 610 
3,070 

2.300 
3,810 
5,000 

. 13,500 

25,600 
13,800 
7,440 

4.300 

November. 

December. 

January. 



February. 



March. 

119 

195 

405 

867 

321 

216 

84 


April. 

49 

107 

258 

138 

80 

66 

May. 

June. 


August. 

September. 

The year. 

867 

84 

71 


136 

75.4 

62.3 

98,200 

4,640 

1,360 

1916. 

October. 

66 

52 

November 1-11. 



SHELL CREEK. 

SHELL CREEK AT SHELL, WYO. 

Location.— Near west edge of sec. 26, T. 53 N., R. 91 W., 450 feet above headgate 
of Shell canal, three-quarters of a mile northeast of Shell, Big Horn County. 
Nearest tributary, Trapper Creek, enters a short distance above. 

Drainage area.— 256 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming* scale 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— April 3, 1913, to September 30, 1921. From April 3, 1913, to 
October 31, 1914, station maintained by the Wyoming Irrigation Co. 














































































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 51 

Gage. —Vertical staff at left bank 450 feet above canal headgate. Prior to June 18, 
1918, gage at opposite bank and referred to datum 2.80 feet lower. 

Extremes of discharge. —1913-1921: Maximum stage from high-water mark, 8.35 
feet on June 11, 1918 (discharge, 1,910 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 
1.25 feet at 5 p. m. April 29, 1921 (discharge, 30 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 8 second-feet from 
Shell Creek above station and 106 second-feet below. 

Regulation. —Flow controlled to a certain extent by storage of water in Adelaide 
reservoir on Shell Creek, 25 miles above Shell; capacity of reservoir 1,410 acre-feet. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curves not well defined owing to shifting 
control. Records fair. 

Monthly discharge of Shell Creek at Shell, Wyo., for 1913-1921. 


April 3-30. 

May. 

June. 

July:. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

Jul j. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September_ 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.. 

September. 

The year 


Month. 


1913. 


1913-14. 


1914-15. 


1915-16. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


535 

1,390 

888 

300 

199 

128 


128 

120 


Minimum. Mean. 


192 

1,510 

1,420 

270 

115 

102 


1,510 


105 


653 

683 

623 

399 

129 

137 


683 


102 

72 


145 

684 

1,300 

350 

102 

78 


1,300 


99 

210 

246 

160 

90 

94 


294 

662 

470 

218 

129 i 
108 I 


97 


41 

80 

270 

102 

72 

70 


113 

97 

65 

50 

45 

40 

78.2 

706 

656 

161 

88.0 

84.8 


182 


85 


66 

91 

219 

113 

94 

94 


72 

58 


83 

95 

191 

102 

83 

62 


93.4 

75 

60 

55 

50 

50 

194 

235 

421 

230 

104 

110 


140 


81.7 

66.1 

55 

50 

50 

50 

91.9 

217 

645 

194 

89.5 

67.1 


133 


Run-off 

in 

acre-feet. 


16,300 

40,700 

28,000 

13,400 

7,930 

6,430 

113,000 


6,950 

5,770 

4,000 

3,070 

2,500 

2,460 

4,650 

43,400 

39,000 

9,900 

5,410 

5,050 


132,000 


5,740 
4,460 
3,690 
3,380 
2,780 
3,070 
11,500 
14,400 

25.100 

14.100 
6,400 
6,550 


101,000 


5,020 

3,930 

3,380 

3,070 

2,880 

3,070 

5,470 

13,300 

38,400 

11,900 

5,500 

3,990 


99,900 


Note.— Record? for 1914 revised. Winter discharge estimated. 























































































52 


SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Monthly discharge of Shell Creek at Shell, Wyo., for 1913 1931 Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off 
in acre-feet. 

1 

Maximum. 

! Minimum. 

Mean. 

1916—17. 

Oe.tnhp.r . 

91 

74 

. 

78.9 

70 

60 

50 

50 

50 

60.3 

222 

665 

259 

95.1 

88.2 

4.850 
4,170 
3,690 
3,070 
2,780 
3,070 
3,590 

13.600 

39.600 
15,900 

5.850 
5,250 














April .... 

68 

480 

1,420 

528 

108 

110 

54 

58 

192 

98 

86 

72 


June . 


. 

September. 

The year. 

1,420 


145 

105,000 

• 

1917-18. 

Oet.oher . 

84 

72 

80.7 
75 

60 

55 

55 

65 

67.8 
185 

1,060 

203 

122 

113 

4,960 
4,460 
3,690 
3,380 
3,060 
4,000 
4,030 
11,400 
63,100 
12,500 
7,500 
6,720 

Nnw.mbflr . 

Ppfiftmhfir . 



.Tannarv . .... 



Fpbrnary_ ... . 



Mareh . . . 


::. 

A pril. 

78 

375 

1,910 

310 

150 

120 

64 

68 

345 

134 

109 

99 


June. 


August. 

September. 

The year. 

1,910 


178 

129,000 

1918-19. 

October. 


131 

91 

75 

74 

102 

83.5 
60 

55 

55 

62 

96.0 

382 

148 

65.5 
56.8 

48.5 

6,270 

4,970 

3,690 

3,380 

3,060 

3.810 
5,710 

23,500 

8.810 
4,030 
3,490 
2,890 

November. 

December. 

January. 



February. 



March... 

78 

242 

920 

230 

81 

62 

51 


April. 

53 

98 

83 

53 

48 

47 


June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 

920 


102 

73,600 

1919-20. 

October. 

. ... 

69 

62 

51 

57.7 

55 

50 

50 

50 

60 

62.4 

158 

830 

238 

112 

96.5 

3,550 
3,270 
3,070 
3,070 
2,880 
3,690 
3,710 
9,720 
49,400 
14,600 
6,890 
5,740 

November. 

December. 


January. 



February. 



March. 

82 

70 

559 

1,670 

568 

133 

117 


April. 

53 

62 

235 

119 

97 

85 


June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 

1,670 


152 

110,000 

1920-21. 

October. 


83 

77 

75 

70 

57 

48 

43 

1,180 

1,010 

190 

98 

65 

72 

67 

60 

53 

48 

36 

32 

38 

190 

79 

61 

50 

75.4 
72.1 

67.4 
61.3 

51.5 

43.6 

38.8 
305 

454 

114 

68.8 

56.7 

4,640 

4,290 

4,140 

3,770 

2,860 

2,680 

2,310 

18,800 

27,000 

7,010 

4,230 

3,370 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 




August. 

September. 

The year. 

1,180 

32 

118 

85,100 





















































































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


53 


SHOSHONE RIVER. 

SHOSHONE RIVER NEAR ISHAWOOA, WYO. 

[Formerly South Fork of Shoshone River near Ishavvooa, Wyo.] 

Location. —In SW. £ sec. 23, T. 51 N., R. 104 W., at Hartung’s private bridge, 1$ 
miles north of Ishawooa, in Park County. Nearest tributary, Bull Creek, enters 
H miles downstream. 

Drainage area. —532 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —May 7, 1915, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Chain installed July 24, 1921, 500 feet below private bridge, replacing ver¬ 
tical staff fastened to bridge piling. Prior to May 24, 1918, gage was half a mile 
upstream at Spaulding’s ranch. Flow at two points comparable. 

Extremes of discharge. —-1915-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 7 feet at 6.45 a. m. 
June 14, 1918 (discharge, 7,740 second-feet); minimum discharge probably occurs 
during winter. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 30 second-feet from 
Shoshone River above station, and 164 second-feet between it and Shoshone 
reservoir. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily during 1915-1917, and twice daily during remain¬ 
der of period. Rating curve well defined during 1915-16, not well defined during 
1917-18, fairly well defined from 1919 to 1921, inclusive. Records good. 

Monthly discharge of Shoshone Biver near Ishawooa, Wyo., for 1915-1921. 


Month. 


May 23-31.. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1915. 


The period. 


October. 

November 1-13. 

March 19-31_ 

April. 

May. 

June...... 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1915-16. 


October. 

November 1-11. 

April 22-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1916-17. 


1917-18. 


October_ 

November.. 
March 24-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

in acre-feet. 

1,480 

562 

866 

15,500 

2,560 

988 

1,480 

88,100 

2,280 

618 

1,190 

73,200 

645 

339 

480 

29,500 

890 

299 

471 

28,000 




234,000 

623 

257 

363 

22,300 

257 

170 

224 

5,780 

235 

179 

198 

5,100 

890 

170 

339 

20,200 

1,200 

292 

687 

42,200 

4,760 

765 

2,590 

154,000 

4,200 

1,300 

2,440 

150,000 

1,590 

380 

774 

47,600 

380 

207 

266 

15,800 

312 

200 

241 

14,800 

200 

167 

190 

4,150 

167 

107 

142 

2,540 

2,410 

107 

729 

44,800 

4,210 

501 

2,440 

145,000 

4,420 

860 

2,670 

164,000 

965 

401 

585 

36,000 

378 

254 

288 

17,100 

256 

128 

172 

10,600 

197 

108 

153 

9,100 

197 

108 

143 

2,270 

340 

125 

217 

12,900 

1,120 

160 

618 

38,000 

6,780 

780 

4,370 

260,000 

3,050 

860 

1,830 

113,000 

990 

244 

471 

29,000 

510 

208 

262 | 

15,600 


Run-oil 





















































54 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

Monthly discharge of Shoshone River near Ishawooa, Wyo.,for 1915-1921 Continued. 


Month. 


1918-19. 

October. 

November 1-22. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July.. 

August. 

September. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. Minimum. 


Mean. 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


425 

196 

600 

2,610 

844 

308 

264 

360 


190 

158 

69 

240 

335 

115 

95 

98 


268 

176 

202 

1,180 

582 

187 

141 

173 


16.500 
7,680 

12,000 

72.600 

34.600 

11.500 
8,670 

10,300 


1919-20. 

October. 

November. 

March 22-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


150 

125 

134 

8, 240 

150 

90 

121 

7,200 

125 

96 

105 

2,080 

125 

91 

109 

6,490 

1,820 

129 

740 

45,500 

3,390 

790 

2,380 

142,000 

3,696 

1,210 

2,220 

136,000 

2,280 

252 

751 

46,200 

252 

148 

187 

11,100 


1920-21. 

October... 

November. 

March 13-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


142 

99 

109 

85 

100 

84 

190 

88 

2,620 

160 

4,600 

1,660 

1,660 

353 

518 

218 

256 

183 


115 

7,070 

96-6 

5,750 

91.4 

3,440 

134 

7,970 

1,120 

68,900 

2,730 

162,000 

834 

51,300 

312 

19,200 

211 

12,600 


SHOSHONE RIVER AT MARQUETTE, WYO. 

[Formerly South Fork of Shoshone River at Marquette, Wyo.] 

Location.— In sec. 12, T. 52 N., R. 103 W., at highway bridge at Marquette, 12 miles 
west of Cody. On April 4, 1906, station was moved If miles downstream to a 
point halt a mile above Shoshone dam. Nearest tributary, North Fork, enters 
a short distance downstream. 

Drainage area.— 500 square miles. 

Records available.— April 26 to November 30, 1903; May 1, 1905, to June 5, 1908. 

Gage.— Vertical staff. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1903, 1905-1908: Maximum stage recorded, 6.1 feet July 
4, 1907 (discharge, 5,300 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 0.35 foot Novem¬ 
ber 29-30, 1905 (discharge, 53 second-feet). 

Diversions.— Prior to June 5, 1908, adjudicated diversions of 66 second-feet from 
Shoshone River above the station. 

Accuracy.— Gage read twice daily. Rating curves fairly well defined. RecordJ 
good. 















































BIG HOKISr RIVER BASIN. 


55 


Monthly discharge of Shoshone River at Marquette, Wyo.,for 1903, 1905-1908. 


Month. 


April 26-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 

October. 

November. 


1903. 


1905. 

May.. 

June.. 

July. 

August.. 

September. 

The period. 


October... 
November 
April 4-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


1905-6. 


October.... 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August 1-14 


1906-7. 


1908. 

April. 

May. 

June 1-5. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

412 

270 

338 

3,350 

980 

227 

410 

25,200 

3,740 

1,030 

1,980 

118,000 

2,590 

705 

1,070 

65,800 

777 

255 

409 

25,100 

352 

202 

287 

17,100 




255 000 

270 

202 

237 

14,600 

255 

202 

209 

12,400 

1,550 

149 

474 

29,100 

3,200 

990 

1,730 

103,000 

2,100 

590 

1,330 

81,800 

558 

189 

314 

19,300 

212 

63 

143 

8,510 




242,000 

149 

87 

110 

6,760 

149 

53 

117 

6,960 

900 

126 

325 

17,400 

3,090 

255 

971 

59,700 

4,560 

686 

1,500 

89,300 

2,440 

686 

1,650 

101,000 

1,340 

306 

577 

35,500 

413 

126 

215 

12,800 

188 

105 

129 

7,930 

269 

115 

161 

9,900 

413 

161 

243 

14,500 

2,000 

218 

844 

51,900 

3,630 

1,100 

2,120 

126,000 

5,300 

1,650 

3,030 

186,000 

2,260 

914 

1,500 

41,700 

1,220 

161 

481 

28,600 

1,720 

347 

713 

43,800 

1,400 

950 

982 

9,740 


SHOSHONE RIVER AT CODY, WYO. 

Location. —At highway bridge three-fourths of a mile northeast of Cody. 

Drainage area.— 1,400 square miles. 

Records available. —May 1, 1902, to May 14, 1909. 

Gage. —Vertical staff attached to bridge pier. 

Extremes of discharge. —1902-1909: Maximum stage recorded, 8.0 feet July 4, 
1907 (discharge, 15,800 second-feet); minimum stage is not known because of 
uncertainty of gage-height record. 

Diversions. —Prior to May 14, 1909, adjudicated diversions of 91 second-feet from 
Shoshone River and North Fork above station. 

Accuracy. —Gage probably read once daily. Rating curve fairly well defined. 
Records are only fair because of uncertainty of gage-height record. 


105707—23— wsp 469-5 


























































56 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of Shoshone River at Cody, Wyo.,for 1902 1909. 


Month. 


1902. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period.. 

1902- 3. 

October. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September... 

1903- 4. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 

1904- 5. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May... 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 

1905- 6. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 

1906- 7. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-t flf in 




acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 


7,360 

655 

2,700 

166,000 

10, 500 

3,420 

5,650 

336,000 

3,780 

2,440 

2, 780 

171, 000 

2, 440 

655 

1, 340 

82,400 

655 

655 

655 

39,000 

10, 500 



794,000 

655 

655 

• 

655 

40,300 

390 

270 

303 

18,600 

295 

245 

283 

15, 700 

925 

223 

333 

20, 500 

2,360 

295 

847 

50, 400 

2, 900 

878 

1,560 

95,900 

10, 100 

3, 420 

6, 820 

406,000 

6,070 

2,060 

3,560 

219,000 

2,280 

878 

1, 580 

97,200 

720 

585 

650 

38,700 

1, 070 

295 

618 

38, 000 

878 

270 

499 

26,700 

830 

120 

441 

27,100 

295 

80 

192 

11, 800 

425 

245 

301 

16, 700 

425 

295 

345 

21, 200 

2, 440 

295 

1,150 

68,400 

8,290 

1, 450 

3, 770 

232, 000 

12,000 

4,440 

7,080 

421,000 

8,290 

2,440 

6,590 

405,000 

2,440 

1,120 

2,020 

124,000 

1,120 

560 

862 

51,300 

12,000 

80 

2,000 

1,440,000 

550 

360 

427 

26,300 

465 

370 

416 

24, 800 

370 

320 

342 

2i; 000 

365 

190 

270 

16,600 

630 

190- 

351 

19, 500 

1,230 

630 

833 

51, 200 

1,230 

630 

972 

57,800 

3,700 

420 

1, 400 

86,100 

7,850 

3,070 

5,750 

342 ; 000 

5,880 

1,960 

3, S90 

239,000 

2,680 

800 

1, 290 

79', 300 

900 

255 

559 

33,' 300 

7,850 

190 

1,380 

997,000 

350 

220 

295 

18,100 

410 

220 

303 

is; 000 

350 

190 

270 

16,600 

310 

225 

285 

17, 500 

310 

287 

301 

16', 700 

388 

287 

310 

19,100 

2,890 

360 

1,030 

61,300 

5,840 

870 

2,890 

178; 000 

12,600 

2,590 

4,550 

271,000 

6,720 

2,150 

4,860 

299,000 

2,500 

1,070 

1,580 

97; 200 

1,070 

415 

680 

40,500 

12,600 

190 

1,450 

1,050,000 

445 

310 

376 

23,100 

780 

197 

371 

22,100 

360 

190 

313 

19,200 

310 

175 

234 

14,400 

387 

160 

291 

16,200 

1,160 

245 

442 

27; 200 

1,540 

540 

926 

55 ; 100 

5, 670 

725 

2,520 

155 ; 000 

9,150 

2,760 

5,630 

335,000 

15, SU0 

5,100 

8,280 

509 ; 000 

5,440 

1,640 

2,690 

165,000 

1,510 

820 

1,120 

66; 600 

15,800 

160 

1,940 

1, 410,000 


























































































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


57 


Monthly discharge of Shoshone River at Cody, Wyo.,for 1902-1909 —Continued. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October... 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May 1-14. 

The period. 


Month. 


1907-8. 


1908-9. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

820 

425 

641 

39,400 

425 

212 

366 

21,800 

560 

195 

325 

20,000 

350 

250 

310 

19,100 

250 

210 

218 

12,500 

700 

180 

246 

15, 100 

2, 700 

210 

1,170 

69,600 

3,840 

1,060 

1,970 

121,000 

9, 570 

2,520 

5, 380 

320,000 

10, 400 

3, 840 

6 , 680 

411,000 

3,890 

1, 250 

2,200 

135,000 

1,120 

550 

744 

44,300 

10, 400 

180 

1,700 

1,230,000 

1,2.50 

550 

707 

43,500 

620 

265 

449 

26,700 

265 

190 

219 

13,500 

420 

190 

284 

17, 500 

265 

265 

265 

14,700 

480 

265 

319 

19,600 

700 

310 

434 

25,800 

1,870 

480 

1,060 

30,400 




192,000 





SHOSHONE RIVER AT CORBETT DAM, WYO. 

Location. —In NE. \ sec. 7, T. 53 N., R. 100 W., at Corbett diversion dam, 8 miles 
below Cody. 

Drainage area. —1,740 square miles. 

Records available. —April 20, 1908, to September 30, 1920. 

Gage. —Staff gage 40 feet upstream from crest of dam; readings represent height of 
water above crest; gage read by employees of United States Reclamation Service. 

Determination of discharge. —Discharge computed by considering dam as a weir 
and sluices as submerged orifices. Water diverted through Corbett tunnel has 
been added to the flow passing dam. 

Extremes of discharge. —1908-1920: Maximum daily discharge during period, 
18,700 second-feet June 15, 1918; no flow November 19, 1909. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions for water supply of Cody, 
and 500 second-feet for power, the latter being returned to river above gaging 
station. Below the station, diversions of 441 second-feet for irrigation. 

Regulation. —Shoshone reservoir, with a capacity of 456,000 acre-feet, regulates 
flow. 

Accuracy. —Stage-discharge relation practically permanent. Gage read to hun¬ 
dredths once daily. Daily discharge ascertained by applying gage height to 
rating table and adding flow through sluice gates and Corbett tunnel. Earlier 
records considered fair and later records good. 


















































58 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of Shoshone River at Corbett dam, Wyo.,for 1908—1920. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-rff in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

A nril 20-30 

1908. 

2,620 

786 

1,520 

33,200 


3,030 
8,380 

930 

1,720 

106,000 


2,340 

4,630 

276,000 


9,020 

2,850 

5,360 

330, 000 

August, . . 

2,980 

1,020 

1,770 

109,000 

ftAnt,p/mhpx_ __ 

'930 

500 

689 

41,000 







'T'hp r> priori 





875,000 

October_ 

1908-9. 

1,100 

548 

687 

42,200 

November 1-14. 

'516 

484 

502 

13,900 

May 15-31. 

4,230 
12,300 
15,600 
2,580 

889 

2, 520 

85, 000 

June. 

2,760 

8,180 

487,000 

July. 

2 ', 710 

6,300 

387,000 

August. 

903 

1,660 

102,000 

Sentember..... 

1,970 

626 

1,060 

63,100 

October 

1909-10. 

804 

178 

655 

40,300 

November. 

984 

0 

627 

37,300 

March 13-31. 

1,370 

529 

868 

32,700 


3,690 

4, 210 

575 

1,680 
2,770 
3,050 
3,260 

100,000 


1,500 

170,000 


3,340 
3,430 
2,940 

2,230 

181,000 

.1 111 V__ 

2,960 

200,000 

Anshist_ 


i; 350 
485 

2,120 

130, 000 
45,800 

Sp/n£p.mhpr...... 

1,370 

'769 




October_ 

1910-11. 

1,200 

398 

.562 

34.600 

25.600 
22,800 

November. 

566 

282 

430 

December. 

428 

306 

370 

January. 

944 

232 

380 

23' 400 

February. 

456 

210 

297 

16'500 

March.... 

715 

254 

447 

27; 500 
37,400 
80,600 
180,000 
250,000 
220,000 
142,000 

April. 

980 

414 

629 

May. 

1,730 

836 

1,310 

June. 

3; 960 
4,290 
3,820 
3,080 

1,870 

3,030 

4,070 

3,570 

2,380 

July. 

3,910 
3,110 

August. 

f>entember_____ 

1,510 




The year.... 


4,290 

1,470 
4,210 
372 

210 

232 

318 

270 

222 

400 

556 

1,290 

2,100 

2,250 

2,260 

1,460 

913 

1 040 

1,060,000 

45,300 
AJ. non 

October 1-25. 

1911-12. 

January. 

February. 

325 

323 

605 

1,470 

9 S70 

18,700 
19,900 
sa non 

March.... 

550 
908 
4,010 
5,200 
2,340 
2,400 
2,360 

April. 


90,400 
153,000 
137,000 
144,000 
136,000 



2 9Q0 

August. 

9 Q4n 

Sentember.. 

9 9Qn 




October. 

1912-13. 

2,300 
2,130 
2,020 
1,740 
550 
470 
1,880 
1,400 
7,220 

6 080 

2,080 

9 990 

136,000 
123,000 
115,000 
67,600 
20,300 

November. 

2,070 

1,870 

1,100 

December..... 

1 710 

Januarv.. 

358 

97« 

Februarv. 


March. 

1H4 

000 

QA £ 

April. 

400 

OiD 

7Q£ 

Zl, ZUU 

43,700 
52,300 
142,000 
272,000 
136,000 
56,400 


T71 

# oO 

QE1 


Oil 

oOi 

2,380 
4,420 
2,220 


OQo 

9 e^o 

August. 

4 210 

z, oou 

1 170 

Sentember. 

1 580 

AOQ 


•r 




The vear.... 


7 220 

IQ/I 

1,630 

1,190,000 



lui 




























































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN 


59 


Monthly discharge of Shoshone River at Corbett dam, Wyo., for 1908-1920 —Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1913-14. 

October. 

833 

639 

386 

358 

358 

614 

645 

5.320 
7,730 
4,230 
1,460 

1.320 

521 
346 
344 
330 
246 
270 
530 
539 
2,950 
1,040 
400 
498 

622 

415 

369 

345 

317 

480 

569 

2,430 

5,050 

2,550 

790 

666 

38.200 
24, 700 
22,700 

21.200 

17.600 
29, 500 
33,900 

149,000 
300,000 
157,000 

48.600 

39.600 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

Mav. 



August. 

September. 

The year. 

7,730 

246 

1,220 

882,000 

1914-15. 

October. 

1,710 

483 

855 
690 
664 
639 
630 
598 
601 
697 
3,300 
3,230 
1, 070 
977 

52,600 

41.100 

40.800 
39,300 
35,000 

36.800 

35.800 
42,900 

196,000 

199,000 

65.800 

58.100 

November. 

December. 



January. 



February. 



March.... 



April. 

691 
1,930 
5,450 
5,170 
2,130 
3,230 

514 

432 

2,250 

1,850 

789 

737 

Mav. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 



1,160 

843,000 

1915-16. 

October. 



818 

1,400 

609 

622 

732 
845 
711 
648 
1,330 
5,760 
5,810 
1,660 
927 

45,000 
50,300 
43,700 
27,000 
81,800 
343,000 
357,000 
102,000 
55,200 

November. . 

December. 

April 10-30. 

709 
2,090 
10,200 
9,570 
2,830 
1,610 

572 
525 
2.030 
3,140 
804 
585 

May. 


July. 

August. 

September. 

1916-17. 

October. 

873 

768 

701 

438 

796 

612 

651 

718 

670 

661 

710 

1,310 

4.830 

5.830 
1,440 
1,310 

49.600 
36,400 

40 ,eOo 

44,100 

37.200 

40.600 

42.200 

80.600 
287,000 
358,000 

88,500 

78,000 

November. 

December. . 

January. 

743 

725 

692 

833 

2,070 

9,730 

9,380 

1,800 

1,900 

692 

658 

658 

592 

633 

1,350 

1,630 

1,040 

709 

February. 

March. 

April. 




August. 

September. 

The year . 

9,730 

438 

1,630 

1,180,000 

1917-18. 

October . 

I 

875 
923 
692 
692 
692 
692 
750 
1,740 
13,700 
5,980 
2.180 
1,930 

660 

692 

692 

692 

692 

692 

543 

697 

1,420 

1,980 

1,110 

508 

735 

758 

692 

692 

692 

692 

672 

1,040 

9,940 

4,220 

1,860 

1,270 

45,200 
45,100 
42,500 

42.500 
38,400 

42.500 
40,000 
64,000 

591,000 
259,000 
114,000 
75,600 

November 

December . 

January . .. . 

February . 

M arch . 





August, .. .. 

September . 

The year. 

18,700 

508 1,930 

1,400,000 
































































































60 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of Shoshone River at Corbett dam, Wyo.Jor 1908-1920 —Continued 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

Optnhftr 

1918-19. 

693 

500 

668 

41,100 
86,900 
36,400 

31.500 

28.500 
31,600 
36,700 

65.200 

92.200 

Nnwmhw _ . 

1,580 

678 

1, 460 

Deeemher . 

592 

592 

592 

.Tannarv . 

513 

513 

513 

Fehrna.rv . 

513 

513 

513 

M arch _ . 

529 

498 

514 

April. ... 

731 

526 

617 


1,300 

545 

1,060 


2,220 

1,190 

1,550 


1,380 

858 

1,250 

76,900 

Anvnst . . 

990 

603 

783 

48,100 

September. 

663 

569 

617 

36,700 

The vear. 

2,220 

498 

845 

612,000 

Oet.nher 

1919-20. 

593 

546 

557 

34,200 

November. 

593 

593 

593 

35,300 

December.. 

593 

577 

589 

36,200 

January... 

530 

515 

516 

31,700 

February. 

593 

530 

583 

33,500 

March. 

593 

530 

557 

34,200 

April. 

'637 

577 

604 

35,900 


1,960 

608 

936 

57,600 


1,790 

1,350 

4,370 

260,000 


8,040 

2,660 

5,390 

331,000 

August. 

3,220 

858 

1,840 

113,000 

Sentemher__ 

1, 190 

605 

798 

47,500 






The vear_ 


8,040 

515 


1,050,000 







Note— Mean discharge for November, December, 1914: January, February, March, December, 1915; 
and December, 1916, is estimated. During the irrigation season of 1908 there was about 32,000 acre-feet 
diverted through Corbett tunnel that is not included in river discharge. 


Monthly discharge of Corbett tunnel at Corbett dam for 1909-1920. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1909. 





May 15-31. 

107 

102 

105 

3,540 

June. 

198 

106 

137 

8,150 


207 

169 

196 

12,100 

August. 

218 

192 

208 

12,800 

September. 

171 

0 

131 

7; 800 

The period. 




44 400 

1909-10. 





October. 

199 

120 

144 

8,850 

November 1-12. 

111 

0 

88 

2,090 

March 13-31. 

75 

46 

72.7 

2, 740 

April. 

276 

43 

128 

7,620 

May. 

258 

42 

126 

7, 750 

June. 

293 

188 

275 

16,400 


277 

187 

262 

16,100 

August. 

276 

132 

211 

13,000 

September. 

172 

127 

146 

8, 690 

1910-11. 





October. 

284 

26 

170 

10, 500 

November. 

39 

10 

33.3 

396 

March 7-31. 

51 

0 

36.5 

579 

April 19-30. 

84 

0 

48.8 

1,160 


206 

34 

137 

8' 420 

June. 

386 

0 

210 

12^500 


338 

120 

224 

13' 800 

August 1-26. 

236 

64 

135 

6 960 

September 5-30. 

170 

58 

106 

5, 470 


























































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 61 


Monthly discharge of Corbett tunnel at Corbett dam for 1909-1920— Continued. 


Month. 


October 1-21 
April 20-30.. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 


October... 
November. 
April 27-30 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


October. 

November.... 
December 1-12 

April 4-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

October. 

April 11-30_ 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 


October 27-31.. 
November 1-12 

April 10-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


October. 

November 1-10... 
April 13-16, 24-26 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September 1-21... 


October. 

November 1-10. 

April 16-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


October. 

November 1-22 
April 12-30.... 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


April 22-30 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August- 

September. 


1911-12. 


1912-13. 


1913-14. 


1914-15. 


1915-16. 


1916-17. 


1917-18. 


1918-19. 


1919-20. 



Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

1,1 


233 

84 

129 

5,370 


54 

54 

54.0 

1,180 


307 

47 

121 

7, 440 


346 

163 

247 

14,700 


326 

101 

201 

12,400 


295 

80 

148 

9,100 


152 

29 

72.5 

4,310 


43 

0 

20.3 

1, 250 


58 

0 

9.7 

577 


146 

61 

88.8 

705 


330 

146 

233 

14,300 


337 

98 

230 

13, 700 


414 

49 

255 

15, 700 


333 

128 

239 

14, 700 


207 

17 

117 

6,960 


112 

24 

60.1 

3,700 


57 

0 

28.1 

1,670 


19 

9 

17.6 

419 


54 

12 

34.3 

1,840 


198 

25 

115 

7,070 


207 

31 

138 

8,210 


247 

118 

203 

12,500 


216 

77 

148 

9,100 


108 

24 

62 

3,690 


193 

26 

105 

4,170 


372 

89 

254 

10,100 


345 

174 

252 

15,500 


366 

129 

262 

15,600 


534 

275 

400 

24,600 


376 

63 

224 

13,800 


337 

153 

220 

10,500 


119 

59 

105 

1,040 


323 

41 

221 

5,260 


217 

46 

137 

5,710 


421 

176 

274 

16,800 


636 

0 

3S5 

22,900 


710 

277 

576 

35,400 


574 

259 

371 

22,800 


365 

58 

229 

13,600 


141 

58 

71.5 

4,400 


283 

72 

211 

4,180 


141 

45 

91.7 

1,270 


326 

7 

126 

7,750 


758 

29 

476 

28,300 


822 

596 

712 

43,800 


823 

278 

490 

30,100 


318 

57 

238 

9,910 


215 

25 

5& 4 

3,590 


231 

159 

197 

3,910 


160 

0 

53.5 

1,590 


778 

101 

349 

21,500 


928 

512 

717 

42,700 


852 

277 

615 

37,800 


808 

247 

539 

33,100 


463 

83 

282 

16,800 


164 

75 

90.6 

5,570 


86 

54 

84.5 

3,690 


447 

58 

224 

8,440 


784 

438 

615 

37,800 


867 

404 

711 

42,300 


929 

699 

848 

52,100 


680 

461 

546 

33,600 


488 

290 

378 

22,500 


71 

30 

57.2 

1,020 


851 

0 

366 

22,500 


914 

523 

780 

46,400 


941 

437 

765 

47,000 


883 

457 

657 

40,400 


602 

401 

501 

29,800 




































































































62 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


SHOSHONE RIVER AT LOVELL, WYO. 

Location. —About in sec. 10, T. 56 N., R. 96 W., at ferry landing at Lovell. No 
important tributary between station and mouth of river. 

Drainage area.— Not measured. 

Records available. —May 23, 1897, to September 30, 1898. 

Gage. —Staff gage fastened to landing pier of the Lovell ferry on south side of river, 
read by Henry Cockrell. 

Extremes of discharge. —1897-98: Maximum stage recorded, 4.0 feet May 28, 
1898 (discharge, 12,300 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, -1.30 feet Sep¬ 
tember 29-30, 1898 (discharge, 150 second-feet). 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily. Rating curve not well defined. Records fair. 


Monthly discharge of Shoshone River at Lovell, Wyo., 1897-98. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-eff 
in acre- 
feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1897. 

May 23-31 . 

9,000 
9,440 
6,250 
1,650 
360 

6,830 
3,640 
1,250 
430 
360 

8,200 
6,120 
3,150 
777 
360 

146,000 

364,000 

194,000 

47,800 

21,400 



August. 

September. 

Thfi nftrind . 




773,000 

11,800 
52,700 
269,000 
444,000 
282,000 
79,300 
24,600 

1897-98. 

October 1-16. 

500 
3,640 
12,300 
11,200 
8,280 
2,770 
2,190 

360 

270 

600 

3,350 

1,250 

270 

150 

373 

886 

4,370 

7,460 

4,580 

1,290 

414 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 



IRRIGATION. 

PRESENT DEVELOPMENT. 

The headwaters and tributaries of the Big Horn are used more 
extensively for irrigation than the Big Horn itself on account of the 
greater areas of irrigable land adjacent to them. The following 
table shows the areas under adjudicated ditches and those under 
completed ditches not yet adjudicated; 


Areas covered by completed ditches in the Big Horn basin, in acres. 


Stream. 

Adjudi¬ 

cated 

(including 

territorial 

rights). 

Completed 
but not 
adjudi¬ 
cated. 

Total. 

Wind River and tributaries. 

13,572 
48,846 
25,052 
19,173 
27,629 
61,481 
11,628 
32,983 
17,170 

a QQ 

119 1QQ 

Big Horn River. 


Ho, JLVJO 

74,681 

79,733 

29,505 

30,366 

107,425 

Popo Agie River and tributaries (including Little Wind River). 

Owl Creek and tributaries. 

54,081 
in 999 

Nowood Creek and tributaries. 

9 797 

Grevbull River and tributaries. 

4A GA.l 

Shell Creek and tributaries. 

“Oj 

19 71 ft 

Shoshone River and tributaries. 

72,060 

27,942 

Z4,040 

105,043 

Minor tributaries of Big Horn River... 


40 ,HZ 


257,534 

351,875 

609,409 


a Increased by 35,500 acres to account for Indian ditches completed but not yet approved for film? 






















































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


63 


BIG HORN RIVER. 

Most of the lands irrigated from Big Horn River are the bottom 
and first bench lands between Thermopolis and Greybull, as the 
valley above and below this section is very narrow. On Wind River 
the bottom lands are irrigated in patches beginning at a point above 
Dubois and extending to Lenore, a distance of 40 miles. Below 
Lenore considerable land is irrigated on the east side of the river but 
very little on the west. 

Areas covered by principal irrigation developments in Big Horn drainage basin, in acres. 


Project. 

Source of supply. 

Irrigable. 

Irrigated 
in 1921. 

Indian Service. 

Wind River and Little Wind River... 
Wind River 

74,000 
125 000 
14,700 
12,000 
1,900 
2,800 
1,800 
27,000 
25,000 
20,000 
8,200 
147,000 
9,000 
12,000 
16,000 
12,300 
4,000 

18,530 

0 

8,000 
7,700 
1,600 
2, .500 

1.500 
15,000 
16,000 
10,000 

2.500 
45,000 

4,000 

9,000 

10,000 

4.500 
2,000 

Riverton. 

Le Clair-Riverton No. 2. 


Wyoming No. 2. 


Kirby canal. 

Big Horn. 

Bluff canal. 


Tillard canal. 


Hanover canal. 


Big Horn County canal. 


Bench canal_*. 

Greybull River... 

W yoming Irrigation Co. 

Shell Creek. 

Shoshone. 

Shoshone River. 

Lakeview canal. 


Cody canal. 


Lovell canal. 


Sidon canal. 


Big Forks ditch. 




512,700 

157,830 


The Indian Service has irrigated a considerable area in the lower 
end of the Wind River Diminished Reservation bounded by Wind 
and Popo Agie rivers, and also a considerable area on the ceded lands 
lying east of Wind River covering practically all the irrigable areas 
between Wind River and the divide forming the southern boundary 
of the Fivemile drainage basin. The latter amounts to 35,000 acres. 
The principal crops are alfalfa, oats, wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, and 
vegetables. 


Areas under Indian Service canals in Wind River basin, in acres. 




Place of diversion. 


Irrigated 
in 1921. 

Name. 

Source of supply. 

Section. 

Town¬ 

ship. 

Range. 

Irrigable. 

Subagency. 

Little Wind. 

11 

1 S.... 

2E... 

7,600 

3,500 

Coolidge. 

.do. 

36 

IN... 

1 W... 

19,500 

4, 800 
5,370 
1,970 

Ray a. .. 

South Fork of Little Wind.. 

6 

1 S.... 

1 W... 

18'000 

Upper Wind River system.. 
Le Clair . 

Wind River. 

14 

5N... 

5 W... 

17,500 

.do. 

32 

2 N... 

2 E... 

6' 590 

1,800 

De Shaw. 

.do. 

21 

3 N.. . 

1 W... 

920 

'177 

Johnston. 

.do. 

14 

2 N... 

1 E... 

2,210 

528 

Aragon . 

.do. 

32 

3 N... 

IE... 

1,680 

3*5 










74,000 

18,530 


a Ray Lake reservoir in T. 1 S., R. 1 W., is a natural depression which gives storage of 6,570 acre-feet 
for range of 5.5 feet. 



















































































64 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

In addition to the above, the United States Reclamation Service is 
constructing for the Indian Service the Riverton project, which will 
irrigate about 125,000 acres of ceded land lying north of the irrigated 
lands east of Wind River. 

The Riverton project embraces 125,000 acres of irrigable land in 
the Fivemile and Muddy creeks drainage basins and was originally 
started by Wyoming Central Irrigation Co., which abandoned it 
before doing any construction work. The general irrigation scheme 
is the construction of a main canal 31 miles long extending from 
Wind River in sec. 23, T. 3 N., R. 2 W., in a westward direction to 
the northeast corner of T. 3 N., R. 3 E., where it will branch into 
the Dry Muddy and Fivemile laterals. Storage will be provided 
on Bull Lake which will afford a storage capacity of 78,000 acre-feet 
by the construction of two earth dams aggregating 2,300 feet in 
length at the crest, with a maximum height of 50 feet. As the 
run-off from Bull Lake is not accurately known, provision is made 
for additional storage in a reservoir at Pilot Butte, on the main 
canal line 10 miles below the intake. At this point storage amount¬ 
ing to 34,000 acre-feet could be developed. A proposed extension 
of the Riverton project is the construction of the so-called Fremont 
canal which would divert water from Wind River 12 miles above 
the main canal and cover about 90,000 acres lying northwest of the 
present project. 

The Le Clair-Riverton canal No. 2, originally built by the Indian 
Service, diverts water from the north bank of Wind River in sec. 3, 
T. 2 N., R. 2 E., and parallels the river at a distance of 2 miles for 
13 miles, then turns and runs northeast for 15 miles, covering 14,700 
acres between it and Wind River above Wyoming No. 2 canal. The 
upper end of the canal as far east as sec. 22, T. 1 N., R. 3 E., is 
operated by the Indian Service for the irrigation of Indian lands. 
Beyond that point the canal is operated by the Le Clair-Riverton 
irrigation district for the irrigation of all land in private ownership 
under the canal. 

The Wyoming canal No. 2, which is under joint arrangement with 
that of the Le Clair-Riverton canal No. 2, diverts water from the 
north bank of Wind River in sec. 34, T. 1 N., R. 3 E., 6 miles west 
of Riverton. The canal runs east to Riverton, then turns and runs 
northeast for 12 miles, covering 12,000 acres of land between it and 
Big Horn River. 

The Kirby canal diverts water from Big Horn River in sec. 19, 
T. 43 N., R. 94 W., and irrigates 1,900 acres near Kirby Creek. 

The Bluff canal diverts water in sec. 10, T. 45 N., R. 94 W., and 
irrigates 2,800 acres in the vicinity of Meeyero Creek. 

The Tillard canal diverts water in sec. 27, T. 51 N., R. 3 W., and 
irrigates 1,800 acres near Basin. 



BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


65 


The Hanover Canal Co. irrigates an area of -27,000 acres on the 
west side of Big Horn River near Worland. The upper Hanover 
•canal heads on the west side of Big Horn River near Meeyero Creek. 
It is carried across the river on a metal flume a few miles below the 
intake and extends for a distance of 25 miles on the east side, covering 
12,000 acres, of which 7,000 acres are irrigated. The lower Hanover 
canal diverts water from the east bank of Big Horn River, a short 
distance above Nowater Creek, and covers 13,000 acres, of which 
8,000 acres are irrigated. The principal crops are alfalfa, grain, and 
sugar beets. 

The land under the Big Horn County canal project lies on the 
west side of Big Horn River, from Gooseberry Creek to Greybull 
River. The main canal diverts water from Big Horn River just 
below the mouth of Gooseberry Creek and parallels Big Horn River 
at a distance of 2 miles for 35 miles, covering the land between it 
and the river. This land comprises 25,000 acres, of which 16,000 
acres were irrigated in 1921. The principal crops are alfalfa, grain, 
and sugar beets. 

GREYBULL RIVER. 

Of the 64,000 acres of land having adjudicated rights from Grey¬ 
bull River, the largest area is on the north side of the river between 
Burlington and Otto and is irrigated by a number of independent 
ditches. Besides this area, the bottom lands throughout the length 
of the river for an average width of 1 mile or more are irrigated and 
46,000 acres are under completed ditches not yet adjudicated, of 
which the largest area is included under the Bench canal. 

The Bench Canal Co. has constructed an irrigation system of 20,000 
acres, of which 16,000 acres are Carey Act lands, southeast of Ger¬ 
mania. Bench canal diverts water from Greybull River in sec. 8, 
T. 51 N., R. 97 W. About 10,000 acres were irrigated in 1921. The 
chief crops are alfalfa and grain. 

SHELL CREEK. 

The adjudicated canals that divert water from Shell Creek and its 
tributaries cover 11,624 acres and those completed, but not yet 
adjudicated, cover 12,718 additional acres. Most of these lands lie 
along the river and its tributaries west of the Big Horn Mountains 
and are irrigated by individual ditches. The largest project is that 
of Wyoming Irrigation Co. This project comprises 8,200 acres on the 
south side of Shell Creek between Shell and the mouth of the creek. 
Shell canal diverts water from Shell Creek just above the town of 
Shell. In addition to irrigating its own land, the company expects to 
furnish water to 1,800 acres having prior rights. To augment the flow 
during the irrigation season Adelaide reservoir, having a capacity 


66 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

of 1,410 acre-feet, has been constructed on a tributary of Shell Creek 
in sec. 36, T. 43 N., R. 88 W. In 1921, 2,500 acres were irrigated. 
The principal crops are hay and grain. 

SHOSHONE RIVER. 

Of the adjudicated rights for 33,000 acres and the unadjudicated 
rights for 72,000 acres (in addition to even larger areas under unfini¬ 
shed ditches) the greater part is included under the Shoshone project 
and the Cody, Lovell, Sidon, and Big Forks canals, the remaining 
irrigated lands are scattered areas comprised in the bottom lands 
along the river and its tributaries. Irrigation advanced beyond the 
first stage of individual ditches about 1900 and has reached the 
cooperative ditch stage and also that ol the large project with per¬ 
manent structures. The experience gained by the irrigators enables 
them to raise successfully alfalfa, grain, sugar beets, vegetables, 
cattle, hogs, and dairy products. The duty of water for the Shoshone 
project, which may be taken as applying to the other projects, is 
2 acre-feet delivered to the land. 

The irrigation plan for the Shoshone project provides for the 
storage of flood waters of Shoshone River in a reservoir controlled by 
Shoshone dam, 8 miles above Cody; the diversion of water from 
Shoshone River by a dam at Corbett tunnel into a canal system 
covering lands on the north side of the river near Ralston, Powell, 
Garland, and Frannie; the diversion into Willwood canal for the 
irrigation of lands lying south of the river; and the diversion into 
the north side highline canal from Shoshone dam covering lands on 
north side of river about the Garland system, and extending from the 
lower end of Shoshone canyon near Cody to the divide between the 
Shoshone and Clark Fork basins. The entire project includes 147,000 
acres, but as the Willwood and Northside highline canals are not yet 
constructed, about 65,000 acres are now covered bv the constructed 
system, of which 45,000 acres were irrigated in 1921. The most 
notable feature of the project is the Shoshone reservoir. This 
reservoir has a capacity of 456,000 acre-feet and is formed by the 
Shoshone dam near the upper end of the canyon. The dam is a 
monolithic concrete structure of the arch type, the radius of the center 
line of the top being 150 feet. The maximum height from rock 
foundation to crest is 328 feet, and its crest length is 200 feet. The 
main outlet from the reservoir is a concrete lined tunnel 498 feet long 
having a section 10 feet square on a 0.6 per cent grade. A second 
outlet tunnel on the same side has a length of 300 feet and a cross 
section 10 feet square. On the opposite side of the river several 
hundred feet upstream a concrete spillway weir, 300 feet long, dis¬ 
charges into an open channel and from there into a tunnel 405 feet 
long leading to the river below. 


BIG HORN RIVER BABIN. 


67 


The lands under the Lakeview project are irrigated by Hammit 
canal, which diverts water from Shoshone River in sec. 7, T. 50 N., 
R. 104 W. This canal extends about 14 miles northeast to sec. 12, 
T. 51 N., R. 103 W. and irrigates the land between it and the river. 
The total irrigable area is 9,000 acres, of which 4,000 acres were 
irrigated during 1921. 

The Cody canal, built under the Carey Act, is below the Shoshone 
Canyon on the south side of the river near Cody. The canal diverts 
water from Shoshone River above the Shoshone reservoir. Of the 
12,000 acres of irrigable area, 9,000 acres were irrigated during 1921. 
The principal crops are alfalfa, grain, and potatoes. The Cody canal 
is notable not only for being the first Carey Act project in Wyoming, 
but for being the first enterprise initiated under that Act. 

The lands under the Lovell canal project, which was originally 
known as the Elk canal, are on the south side of Shoshone River. The 
main canal diverts water from the river in lot 73, T. 55 N., R. 98 W. 
It extends for a distance of 15 miles and covers 16,000 acres, of which 
10,000 acres were irrigated in 1921. The chief crops are alfalfa, grain, 
and sugar beets. 

About 1900 the settlers of land north of Shoshone River between 
what are now Byron and Cowley started the Sidon canal and com¬ 
pleted it by cooperative effort. It diverts water from Shoshone 
River about in sec. 7, T. 55 N., R. 97 W., and extends northeastward 
for a distance of 30 miles, irrigating the land between it and the 
river. Of the 12,300 acres of irrigable land, 4,500 acres were irrigated 
during 1921. The chief crops are alfalfa, grain, and potatoes. 

The land irrigated by the Big Eorks ditch lies north of Shoshone 
River in the triangle formed by the junction of the Shoshone and the 
Big Horn. The ditch diverts water from Shoshone River and covers 
4,000 acres, of which 2,000 acres were irrigated during 1921. The 
chief crops are alfalfa, grain, and potatoes. 

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT. 

No topographic maps are available for the entire basin nor have 
detailed field investigations been made, so it is impossible to state 
definitely what additional areas can be irrigated. However, during 
the 27 years that have elapsed since the passage of the Carey Act, 
many private investigations have been made and lands segregated 
into proposed projects. In view of the great activity shown in irriga¬ 
tion matters after the passage of the reclamation act in 1902, probably 
the possibilities have been covered by the proposed Carey Act projects. 
Some of these projects have been completed and are described on the 
preceding pages, but several others, embracing a total of 145,000 
acres, have not been constructed. 


68 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Areas to be covered by possible future irrigation projects in Big Horn basin , in acres, 


Project. 

Source of supply. 

Area.« 

Lander Valley. 


13,000 
16,000 
16,000 

Paintrock. 


ieiisieep aim ouiiaiiza. 


100,000 



145.000 


a These figures are a rough estimate as detailed surveys have not been made, and for the target project 
the area will depend upon available water supply. 

BIG HORN RIVER. 


The Tremont canal, a project covering about 18,000 acres east of 
Big Horn Iiiver near Bonneville and Shoshone, was to be supplied by 
water pumped from the river in sec. 7, T. 1 N., R. 5 E., utilizing power 
from Boysen dam. The project has finally been abandoned and the 
land classed as nonirrigable. 

POPO AGIE RIVER. 

The Lander Valley project lies south of Popo Agie River between 
the Little Popo Agie and Beaver Creek, and embraces an area of 
13,000 acres, which can be irrigated from Popo Agie River. Rights 
were acquired for this project in 1908, but no work has been started. 

GREYBTTLL RIVER. 

In the Buffalo Basin, east of Meeteetse, is a large area, the irriga- 
bility of which has been investigated at different times, and a segre¬ 
gation of 50,000 acres has finally been made. The water for irrigating 
this area will have to come from storage reservoirs on Wood and Grey- 
bull rivers, as the flow of Gooseberry Creek is inadequate. As there 
is more irrigable land than can be supplied with water, the net area 
is very uncertain. No work has been done on the project and the 
segregated lands have been relinquished and classed as nonirrigable. 

NOWOOD CREEK. 

Land amounting to 16,000 acres north of Nowood Creek has been 
segregated for irrigation from a canal diverting water from Paintrock 
Creek. Construction work has been started and will probably be 
completed when the demand for irrigated land warrants such action. 
Several small reservoir sites in the mountains are available for 
storage. 

The Tensleep and Bonanza project, for which 16,486 acres has been 
segregated under the Cary Act, contemplates the irrigation of land 
lying north of Nowood Creek in T. 48 N., Rs. 89 and 90 W. A canal 
covering these lands will divert water from Tensleep Creek. In 
addition, it is proposed to irrigate a small area lying west of Nowood 
Creek in T. 49 N. by direct diversion from the creek. 
























BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


69 


SHOSHONE RIVER. 


The State procured the segregation of 200,000 acres of land lying 
southeast of Cody, for the purpose of irrigating it from Shoshone 
River near Ishawooa. Although a great amount of work was done 
on the project, no part was constructed so fully that any of the land 
could be irrigated, and the constructing company finally abandoned 
the work. The chief features of the project are the Shoshone canal, 
leading to the Oregon Basin. This basin has a storage capacity of 
500,000 acre-feet without any dam, the outlet being through a 
tunnel, ihe United States Reclamation Service has made an 
examination of the project with the idea of irrigating the area directly 
from Shoshone reservoir. 

WATER SUPPLY. 


Fairly complete records for Big Horn River at Thermopolis are 
available from 1903 to 1905 and from 1911 to 1921, and for the 
station at Hardin, Mont., from 1904 to 1921. A well-defined rela¬ 
tion exists between the flow at the two points and by means of this 
relation .the discharge at Thermopolis for the period 1906-1910 was 
estimated. The median years for the 19-year period 1904-1921 were 
1908 and 1920, each of which had a total discharge of 1,710,000 acre- 
feet. 

Percentage of total discharge at Thermopolis to discharge for median year. 


Year. 

Total dis¬ 
charge at 
Thermopolis 
inacre-feet. 

Percent¬ 
age of 
median 
dis¬ 
charge. 


1903. 

1,840 000 

107 

1913 

1904. 

1,850,000 

108 

1914 

1905... 

1,160,000 

68 

1915 

1906. 

a 1,520,000 

89 

1916 

1907. 

a 1,860,000 

109 

1917 

1908. 

a 1,710,000 

100 

1918 

1909. 

a 1,870,000 

110 

1919 

1910. 

a 1,210,000 

71 

1920 

1911. 

1,420,000 

83 

1921 

1912. 

1,780,000 

104 


Total dis¬ 
charge at 
Thermopolis 
in acre-feet. 

Percent¬ 
age of 
median 
dis¬ 
charge. 

1,770,000 

104 

1,360,000 

79 

1,340,000 

78 

1,490,000 

87 

1,910,000 

112 

1,630,000 

95 

713,000 

42 

1,710,000 

100 

1,730,000 

101 


a Estimated from discharge at Hardin, Mont. 


Although both 1908 and 1920 had the median discharge, the record 
for 1908 has been computed from that at Hardin, and is not as 
accurate as that for 1920 which has been used in determining the water 
supply available for irrigation. The consumptive duty of water for 
irrigation in the Big Horn drainage basin is taken as 1J acre-feet 
and the monthly requirements, May 0.30, June 0.42, July 0.48, and 
August 0.30 acre-foot. 


Monthly discharge at Thermopolis and irrigable area for median year. 



May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

Discharge. 

Irrigable area.... 



231,000 

767,000 

552,000 

1,310,000 

329,000 

685,000 

117,000 

390,000 

































































70 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

During the median year 390,000 acres could be completely irri¬ 
gated, and during the lowest year 146,000 acres could be completely 

irrigated. 

As the area under completed ditches which divert the water from 
Big Horn River below Thermopolis and above important tributaries 
is 75,000 acres, the additional area for which water is available 
without storage is 315,000 acres for a median year and 171,000 acres 
for the lowest year recorded. 

Above Thermopolis the irrigated areas under the larger projects 
will ultimately be increased by 200,000 acres, water for which will be 
available as shown by the records at Thermopolis for the median 
year, but during an extremely low year, the supply will be deficient 
unless supplemented by storage. A number of reservoir sites are 
listed on pages 579-580. 

WATER POWER. 

DEVELOPED POWER. 

BIG HORN RIVER. 

The Wyoming Power Co. has a reinforced concrete dam at the 
entrance to Big Horn Canyon in sec. 4, T. 5 N., R. 95 W., 17 miles 
above Thermopolis. The dam, which is known as the Boysen dam, 
is 106 feet long and gives a head of 36 feet, with five buttresses 29 
feet high on top of the dam for the use of dashboards which will 
increase the head to 45 feet. As the grade of the Chicago, Burling¬ 
ton & Quincy Railroad is 53 feet above the outlet of the dam, the 
dashboards can be used only during low water, without danger of 
flooding the railroad track. Within the dam at the left end is the 
power plant which contains two 24-inch S. Morgan Smith twin 
turbines rated at 750 horsepower each under a 45-foot head. The 
turbines are controlled by Lombard automatic governors and are 
direct connected by horizontal shafts to two 400-kilowatt 3-phase 
2,300-volt alternating-current Westinghouse generators. Two 12- 
inch turbines are direct connected to two exciter generators of 35- 
kilowatt capacity. The plant operates continuously and transmits 
power 38 miles to Shoshone and Riverton at a tension of 33,000 volts. 
The transmission line consists of No. 5 wire carried on cedar poles. 
No auxiliary steam power is provided. The available records of Big 
Horn River show that the minimum discharge occurs during the win¬ 
ter and early spring. The mean monthly discharge during the low- 
water period is estimated to be 500 second-feet. This will generate 
1,440 continuous horsepower at 70 per cent efficiency. By using 
dashboards during low water a head of 45 feet would be available, 
which would develop 1,800 horsepower. As the pond above the dam 
has an area of about 500 acres at low stage sufficient pondage is 


BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


71 


available for storage of water during hours of minimum demand. 
The lowest monthly discharge for the six high months is 975 second- 
feet, which will generate 2,800 continuous horsepower under the nor¬ 
mal head of 36 feet. 

Ihe plant of the Hot Springs Light & Power Co. is three-quarters 
of a mile above Thermopolis. A low rock dam in Big Horn River 
diverts water into a canal 1,600 feet long leading to the power house, 
creating an average head of 12 feet. Here are installed two 54-inch 
American turbines rated at 264 horsepower, each controled by a 
Woodward governor. One turbine is direct connected to a 280- 
kilowatt Electrical Machinery Cods 3-phase alternating-current gen¬ 
erator of 2,400 volts, and the other is belt connected to a 150-kilovolt¬ 
ampere Western Electric 3-phase alternating-current generator of 
2,300 volts. The power is used in Thermopolis. Owing to the in¬ 
sufficient capacity of the canal, an auxiliary steam plant is used 
almost daily. 

MIDDLE FORK OF POPO AGIE RIVER. 

The Sinks Canyon Hydro Power Cods plant on Middle Fork of 
Popo Agie River is in sec. 17, T. 32 N., R. 100 W., a short distance 
above the “sinks” and 8 miles southwest of Lander. A riveted- 
steel pipe line 3,145 feet long, decreasing in diameter from 30 to 26 
inches and having a capacity of 17 second-feet, leads to the power 
house at the “rise.” Two 47-inch Hug impulse wheels, each oper¬ 
ated by two 3-inch nozzles, generate 250 horsepower each, under a 
220-foot head. Each wheel, which is controlled bv a Lombard oil- 
pressure generator, is direct connected to a 150-kilowatt 3-phase 60- 
cycle alternating-current generator operating at 2,300 volts. Power 
is transmitted at 11,000 volts to Lander by one circuit of No. 6 
copper wire suspended from cedar poles. Although the water sup¬ 
ply is insufficient during the winter, no auxiliary plant is owned by 
the company. 

NOWOOD CREEK. 

The flour and feed mill owned by Henry Jordan is 3 miles east of 
Manderson. A canal of about 40 second-feet capacity and 10,000 
feet long diverts water from Nowood Creek and carries it to the 
mill, in which is installed a 21-inch McCormick turbine rated at 65 
horsepower under the available head of 19 feet. The turbine, which 
has no governor, is connected with the milling machinery by 200 
feet of rope. The mill operates intermittently. By continuing the 
canal 1 mile or more, a head of 62 feet can be obtained. In a low 
year the mean flow for seven consecutive days will not exceed 50 
second-feet, which would generate 242 horsepower at 70 per cent 
efficiency. 

105707 — 23 — wsp 469 - 6 



72 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


SHOSHONE RIVER. 

The United States Reclamation Service has recently installed at 
the Shoshone dam two 30-inch Wellman-Seaver-Morgan turbines 
rated at 1,100 horsepower under a head of 140 feet. r lhe range in 
head is between 120 and 230 feet. The turbines are controlled by 
Woodward oil-pressure governors and are direct connected to two 
1,000-kilovolt-ampere 3-phase 60-cycle General Electric generators. 
The current is carried at 33,000 volts by 46 miles of transmission 
line to the towns on the Shoshone irrigation project. The water 
supply is adequate at all times, as the capacity of Shoshone reservoir 
is 456,000 acre-feet. 

The Shoshone electric-light plant is just below Cody on Shoshone 
River. A canal and flume 1,700 feet long, having a capacity of 500 
second-feet, lead to the power house, creating a head of 14 feet. 
In the power house are two 35-inch Samson turbines having a rated 
capacity of 129 horsepower each. They are controlled by a Wood¬ 
ward governor and are belt connected to a 200-kilowatt Westinghouse 
3-phase alternating-current generator of 2,300 volts. The current 
is carried by 1 mile of transmission line consisting of No. 6 twisted 
wire carried on cedar poles and furnishes light and power to Cody. 
The plant operates continuously, except for a short period on 
Sundays. No auxiliary steam is provided, as the water supply is 
adequate. 

UNDEVELOPED POWER. 

No profile surveys are available for streams in the Big Horn 
drainage basin, and as topographic maps cover only part of the area, 
it is impossible to describe all feasible sites, especially those that 
may be situated in the Shoshone and Absaroka mountains on the 
west and the Wind River Range on the southwest. The known 
power sites are described in the following pages. 

BIG HORN RIVER. 

The following table of elevations and distances compiled from 
different sources is only approximate. The elevations and distances 
through the lower canyon are taken from records of a detailed 
survey made by the Big Horn Canyon Irrigation & Power Co. 


BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


73 


Elevations and distances along Wind and Big Horn rivers from, source at Twogwotee 

Pass to mouth of lower Big Horn Canyon. 


Point on river. 


Source. 

Contour crossing. 

Contour crossing. 'ff 

Contour crossing.’' 

Mouth of Du Noir River. 

Dubois. 

Sec. 24, T. 41 N., R. 106 W.. . ." 

About sec. 7, T. 40 N., R. 85 W. 

Mouth of Bull Lake Creek. 

Ferry near line between Rs. 98 and 99 W. 

Bridge southeast of Riverton. 

Head of Big Horn Canyon. 

Thermopolis. 

Railroad crossing 1.7 miles below Colter.!... ] 

Railroad crossing at Manderson. 

Basin. 

Himes. 

Kane.’ ’ ’ 

Upper end of lower Big Horn Canyon. 

Sec. 30 T. 58 N., R. 94 W. (2.1 miles above State line) 
Sec. 13 T. 9 S., R. 28 E. 

Sec. 4 T. 8 S„ R. 29 E. 

Sec. 35 T. 7 S., R. 28 E. 

Sec. 5 T. 7 S., R. 30 E. 

Sec. 34 T. 6 S., R. 30 E. 

Sec. 6 T. 6 S., R. 30 E. 

Sec. 18 T. 6 S., R. 31 E. (near mouth of lower canyon). 


Distance (miles). 

Elevation 
above sea 
level 
(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

From 

source. 

Point to 
point. 

Total. 

Per mile. 

0 


9,050 



3 

3 

8,500 

550 

183 

8 

5 

8,000 

500 

100 

16 

8 

7,500 

500 

62 

23 

7 

7,240 

260 

37 

34 

11 

6,910 

330 

30 

42 

8 

6,660 

250 

31 

52 

10 

6,325 

335 

34 

78 

26 

5,640 

685 

26 

96 

18 

5,205 

435 

24 

114 

18 

4,845 

360 

20 

158 

44 

4,620 

225 

5 

178 

20 

4,310 

310 

16 

214 

36 

4,060 

250 

7 

238 

24 

3,875 

185 

8 

250 

12 

3,825 

50 

4 

282 

32 

3,710 

115 

4 

297 

15 

3,630 

80 

7 

304 

7 

3,600 

30 

4 

313 

9 

3,550 

50 

6 

320.5 

7.5 

3,500 

50 

7 

328.9 

8.4 

3,450 

50 

6 

336.6 

7.7 

3,400 

50 

6 

343.3 

6.7 

3,350 

50 

7 

347.9 

4.6 

3,300 

50 

11 

350.9 

3.0 

3,250 

50 

17 

354.3 

3.4 

3,200 

50 

15 

358.2 

3 

3.9 

3,170 

30 

8 


Except on the extreme headwaters, where the run-off is small, the 
slope of the river is too slight to warrant laying a pipe line for the 
development of power. The valley is too wide to provide a favorable 
site for a dam and reservoir except at a point in sec. 25, T. 42 N., 
R. 108 W., 2\ miles below Du Noir River. Here the valley narrows 
to such an extent that a dam 100 feet high would have a width of 
75 feet at the base and 200 to 250 feet at the crest. This dam would 
form a reservoir 4 miles long having an area of 1,475 acres and a 
capacity of 44,000 acre-feet. If the upper 50 feet of the dam were 
utilized for storage, a uniform discharge of 138 second-feet could be 
maintained, which would generate 545 horsepower. This reservoir 
site would probably be of more value for storage in connection with 
irrigation than for use in the development of power. 

Below the Boysen dam, in the canyon above Thermopolis, the 
river falls about 100 feet in 4 miles. With a mean monthly dis¬ 
charge of 500 second-feet available during the low-water period, 4,000 
horsepower could be developed at 70 per cent efficiency. Below this 
section the slope of the river decreases to 10 feet to a mile at the 
mouth of the canyon. 

The only large power possibility on Big Horn River is on the lower 
part of the river, chiefly in Montana. From a point just above the 
State line to a point 54 miles below, the Big Horn flows through a 
canyon with a total fall of 430 feet. A detailed survey of the entire 

























































74 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


canyon has been made by the Big Horn Canyon Irrigation & Power 
Co., which shows that a dam 480 feet high and 1,300 feet long on the 
crest, situated near the mouth of the canyon, would create a reservoir 
having a capacity of 830,000 acre-feet. The following table was com¬ 
piled from this survey: 

Area and capacity of proposed Big Horn reservoir at different elevations. 


Elevation above sea level 
(feet). 

Area 

(acres). 

Total 

capacity 

(acre-feet). 

Elevation above sea level 
(feet). 

Area 

(acres). 

3,180. 

9 

36 

3,450. 

2,210 

3'200. 

47 

541 

3'500. 

3,240 

31250. 

189 

5,970 

3^550. 

4,270 

3,300. 

399 

20,100 

3^600. 

5.830 

3,350. 

784 

49,400 

3'610. 

6,770 

3,400. 

1,395 

103^000 




Total 

capacity 

(acre-feet). 


192,000 

328,000 

514,000 

764,000 

830,000 


To determine the water supply, records of Big Horn River at Har¬ 
din, 40 miles below the canyon, are available from 1904 to date. The 
flow at the two points is comparable, as the irrigation diversions be¬ 
tween the two more than offest the tributary inflow. As the irriga¬ 
tion projects under construction and proposed in the Big Horn basin 
above the canyon will reduce the run-off at the power site, an allow¬ 
ance for this decrease must be made in determining the future water 
supply. 

The run-off of Big Horn River for 1921 was 101 per cent of that of 
the median year. In that year the nonirrigated area under completed 
projects in the Big Horn Basin was 355,000 acres, and the area of pro¬ 
posed projects was estimated at 145,000 acres, giving a total of 500,000 
acres. With a consumptive duty of 1.5 acre-feet to an acre, the run¬ 
off for 1921 at the canyon site would have been reduced 750,000 
acre-feet. To equalize the discharge completely would require storage 
amounting to 790,000 acres. By limiting the draw down of water level 
200 feet, to the resulting continuous discharge would amount to 3,300 
second-feet. With the power house situated just below the dam the 
average effective head would be 340 feet, which would develop 90,000 
horsepower continuously at 70 per cent efficiency. The minimum 
head would be 240 feet, which would develop 63,000 horsepower. 

The lowest year of record was 1919, the flow for which was 42 per 
cent of the median year. As this year was so dry there would have 
been a shortage of water for irrigation, and it is probable that the con¬ 
sumptive duty of water would not have exceeded 1 acre-foot to an 
acre had the 500,000 acres additional been irrigated. 

With the recorded flow for 1919 decreased by 500,000 acre-feet, it 
would have required a storage capacity of 1,280,000 acre-feet'to 
equalize the flow from June, 1918, to May, 1920. By limiting the 
drawdown to 200 feet, it would have been possible to maintain a con- 
tinuous discharge at 2,160 second-feet. The average head would have 
been 340 feet, developing 59,000 horsepower at 70 per cent efficiency. 































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


75 


MIDDLE FORK OF POPO AGIE RIVER. 

No topographic maps are available for Middle Fork of Popo Agie 
River, but the records of the State engineer’s office show power filings 
with accompanying data on available head. One filing shows an ap¬ 
parent fall of 1,640 feet from about sec. 22, T. 32 N., R. 101 W., to 
sec. 19, T. 32 N., R. 100 W., a distance of 5^ miles. Available records 
of flow show the discharge for 90 per cent of the time to be 9 second- 
feet, which would develop 1,180 horsepower at 70 per cent efficiency. 
For 50 per cent of the time the discharge is 30 second-feet, which 
would develop 4,000 horsepower. 

LITTLE WIND RIVER. 

Below Raft Lake, which has an area of 310 acres, the North Fork 
of Little Wind River flows in a canyon for a distance of 9 miles, and 
the total fall is 2,500 feet, or 278 feet to a mile. From the mouth of 
the canyon to the mouth of the river, a distance of 12 miles, the fall 
is 1,300 feet, or 108 feet to a mile. No topographic maps of this basin 
are available, and it is impossible to determine the run-off accurately. 
It appears, however, that with a storage of 10,000 acre-feet on Raft 
Lake a minimum discharge of 30 second-feet would be available, 
which would develop 6,000 horsepower in the 9-mile stretch below 
Raft Lake. 

Tuygee Lake lies in sec. 3, T. 33 N., R. 104 W., at an elevation of 
9,904 feet, and has an area of 198 acres. In the 8 miles below the 
lake the South Fork of Little Wind River has a total fall of 1,650 feet 
or 206 feet to a mile. At the end of this stretch is a flat at an elev- 
tion of 8,250 feet which would furnish pondage and site for a power 
house. Below the flat the river has an additional fall of 1,450 feet in 
4 miles. It is impossible to estimate accurately the available dis¬ 
charge, but probably with a small amount of storage on Tuygee 
Lake a minimum discharge of 10 second-feet would be available. 
This discharge would develop 1,300 horsepower. In the 4-mile 
stretch below the flat a discharge of 10 second-feet would develop 
1,160 horsepower. 

TENSLEEP CREEK. 


Elevations and distances along Tensleep Creek from West Tensleep Lake to mouth of 

Canyon Creek. 

[Compiled from topographic maps.] 



Distance (miles). 

Elevation 
above 
sea level 
(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

Point on stream. 

From 

source. 

Point to 
point. 

Total. 

Per mile. 


0 


9,042 

8,800 



r'.rmtruir .. .. 

1.2 

1.2 

242 

202 

Fnnfnnr _ _ ...- 

2.9 

1.7 

8,600 

200 

118 


4.7 

1.8 

8,400 

200 

111 

vUll tOUI Cl 0001115 .. 

Ayfi-wifL nf Fact Tpn qIaati Crp.p.lr..... 

8.4 

3.7 

7,750 

650 

175 


9.1 

.7 

7,500 

250 

357 


10.9 

1.8 

7,000 

500 

278 


13.3 

2.4 

6,000 

1,000 

417 

Ham f Vi nf T FrPftlf . . 

15.5 

2.2 

5,400 

600 

272 

Af/M.fh n( P.rp.p.t .-. 

16.9 

1.4 

5,100 

300 

214 


20.2 

3.3 

4,680 

420 

127 



































76 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

Above the mouth of East Tensleep Creek the fall of the creek is 
less than for the portion below, and as the run-off is small, no estimate 
of possible water power has been made. 


Undeveloped water power on Tensleep Creek. 



Distance 

(miles). 

Total fall 
(feet). 

Run-off (second- 
feet).a 

Horsepower (70 per 
cent efficiency). 

Section of creek. 

90 per 
cent of 
time. 

50 per 
cent of 
time. 

90 per 
cent of 
time. 

50 per 
cent of 
time. 

Mouth of East Tensleep Creek to contour 
7,500. 

0.7 

250 

15 

24 

300 

480 

Contour 7,500 to contour 7,000. 

1.8 

500 

19 

29 

760 

1,160 

Contour 7,000 to contour 6,000. 

2.4 

1,000 

21 

31 

1,680 

2,480 

Contour 6,000 to Lee Creek. 

2.2 

600 

23 

32 

1,100 

1,540 

Lee Creek to Childs Creek... 

1.4 

300 

26 

37 

624 

886 

Childs Creek to Canyon Creek. 

3.3 

420 

32 

49 

1,070 

1, 650 


a Based on mean drainage area of section. 

PAINTROCK CREEK. 


Elevations and distances along Paintrock Creek from source to mouth of Luman Creek. 

[Compiled from topographic maps.] 


Point on stream. 

Distance (miles). 

Elevation 
above 
sea level 
(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

From 

source. 

Point to 
point. 

Total. 

Per mile. 

Source of North Fork. 

0 


10,000 



Contour crossing. 

4.2 

4.2 

9 ; 000 

1,000 

238 

Mouth of North Fork. 

10.7 

6.5 

8,000 

1,000 

154 

Mouth of Middle Fork. 

13.4 

2.7 

7,090 

910 

357 

Mouth of South Fork. 

16.8 

3.4 

6,200 

890 

262 

Mouth of Luman Creek. 

23.1 

6.3 

4,900 

1,300 

206 


Above the mouth of North Fork the minimum run-off is so small 
that no estimate of possible water power has been made. 

Undeveloped water power on Paintrock Creek. 


Section of creek. 

Distance 

(miles). 

Total fall 
(feet). 

Run-off (second- 
feet)^ 

Horsepower (70 per 
cent efficiency). 

90 per 
cent of 
time. 

50 per 
cent of 
time. 

90 per 
cent of 
time. 

50 per 
cent of 
time. 

North Fork to Middle Fork. 

2.7 

910 

7 

9 

510 

655 

1,280 

2,800 

Middle Fork to South Fork. 

3.4 

890 

11 

18 

783 

South Fork to Luman Creek. 

6.3 

1,300 

18 

27 

1,870 


a Based on mean drainage area of section. 


WOOD RIVER. 

A filing in the State engineer’s office shows a possible development 
of power on Wood River in T. 46 N., R. 102 W., with a faff of 550 feet 
in miles. From records of flow at the mouth of Wood River, it is 
estimated that the discharge for 90 per cent of the time at the junction 
of the North [and South forks is 20 second-feet. This would generate 
880 horsepower at 70 per cent efficiency. 
















































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN 


77 


SHELL CREEK. 

Elevations and distances along Shell Creek from source to Shell post office. 


[Compiled from topographic maps.] 


Point on stream. 

Distance (miles). 

Elevation 
above 
sea level 
(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

From 

source. 

Point to 
point. 

Total. 

Per mile. 

Source. 

0 


11,000 

10,500 



Contour crossing. 

.6 

0.6 

500 

833 

Contour crossing. 

2.2 

1.6 

10,000 

500 

312 

Contour crossing. 

3.1 

.9 

9,500 

500 

555 

Contour crossing. 

7.7 

4.6 

9,000 

500 

109 

Sec. 34, T. 53 N., R. 88 W. 

Mouth of Willitt Creek. 

9.0 

1.3 

8,500 

500 

385 

11.5 

2.5 

7; 920 

580 

232 

Mouth of Granite Creek. 

17.0 

5.5 

6,950 

970 

176 

Mouth of Cedar Creek. 

22.5 

5.5 

5,250 

1,700 

309 

Mouth of White Creek. 

27.0 

4.5 

4,390 

860 

191 

Shell post office. 

31 

4.0 

4,180 

210 

52 


Above an elevation of 8,500 feet the run-off of Shell Creek for 90 
per cent and 50 per cent of the time is so small that the available water 
power has not been estimated. The following table shows the unde¬ 
veloped power by sections for the remainder of the creek: 

Undeveloped water power on Shell Creek. 


Section of creek. 

Distance 

(miles). 

Total fall 
(feet). 

Run-off (second- 
feet).® 

Horsepower (70 per 
cent efficiency). 

90 per 
cent of 
time. 

50 per 
cent of 
time. 

90 per 
cent of 
time. 

/ 

50 per 
cent of 
time. 

Sec. 34, T. 53 N., R. 88 W. to Willitt Creek. 

2.5 

580 

6 

12 

279 

555 

Willitt Creek to Granite Creek. 

5.5 

970 

12 

21 

935 

1,630 

Granite Creek to Cedar Creek. 

5.5 

1,700 

17 

30 

2,300 

4,080 

Cedar Creek to White Creek. 

4.5 

860 

26 

44 

1,790 

3,040 

White Creek to Shell. 

4.0 

210 

37 

60 

610 

1,010 


a Based on mean drainage area of section. 


SHOSHONE RIVER. 

Elevations and distances along Shoshone River. 

[Compiled from topographic maps.] 



Distance (miles). 

Elevation 
above 
sea level 
(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

Point on stream. 

From Elk 
Creek. 

Point to 
point. 

Total. 

Per mile. 


0 


8,980 




8.3 

8.3 

7^900 

1,080 

130 


16.5 

8.2 

6,990 

910 

111 


23.9 

7.4 

6,450 

540 

73 


35.0 

11.1 

6,050 

400 

36 


54.0 

19.0 

5,360 

690 

36 


59.5 

5.5 

5,360 

0 

0 


59.5 

0 

5,140 

220 


Podv . 

66.5 

7 

4,820 

320 

46 


74.5 

8 

4,620 

200 

25 

fiort KT R QQ W . 

91.5 

17.0 

4,260 

360 

21 

Cbb* OOf X • K)*J 1^1 XV* \JyJ ft •••••••. 

































































































78 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

The portion of the river of the greatest value for power lies between 
the mouth of Red Creek and the upper end of Shoshone reservoir. 
Although the river below the reservoir has a fall of 320 feet in 7 miles, 
the entire flow is controlled in the interest of irrigation. With the 
planned extension of irrigation in the Shoshone project, doubtless 
very little water will be discharged from the reservoir during the 
winter. 

Undeveloped water power on Shoshone River. 



Distance. 

(miles). 

Total 

Run-off (second- 
feet).a 

Horsepower (70 
per cent efficiency). 

Section of river. 

fall 

(feet). 

90 per 
cent of 
time. 

50 per 
cent of 
time. 

90 per 
cent of 
time. 

50 per 
cent of 
time. 

■Rp.fi rirpp.lr tn Raddle Creek. 

8.2 

910 

15 

46 

1,070 

3,300 

Raddle Crook t.n Cabin Creek. 

7.4 

540 

26 

78 

1,100 

3,320 

Cabin Creek tn Tshawooa Creek.. 

11.1 

400 

38 

102 

1,200 

3,210 

Ishawooa Creek to Shoshone reservoir. 

19.0 

690 

80 

202 

4,350 

11,000 


a Based on mean drainage area of section. 


Elevations and distances along North Fork of Shoshone River. 

[Compiled from topographic maps.] 



Distance (miles). 

Eleva¬ 
tion 
above 
sea level 
(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

Point on stream. 

From 

Torrent 

Creek. 

Point to 
point. 

Total. 

Per 

mile. 

Month nf Torrent Creek.. 

0 


8,550 

6,870 



Mouth of Jones Creek. 

6. 7 

6.7 

i,680 

250 

Mouth of Eagle Creek. 

14.7 

8.0 

6,550 

'320 

40 

Mouth of Blackwater Creek. 

23.2 

8.5 

6' 370 

180 

21 

Mouth of Wapiti River. 

29.9 

6.7 

a, 120 

250 

37 

Mouth of Crag Creek. 

36.2 

6.3 

6,000 

120 

19 

Upper end of Shoshone reservoir. 

46.2 

10.0 

5', 360 

640 

64 




The following table shows the undeveloped power by sections: 

Undeveloped water power on North Fork of Shoshone River. 


Section of river. 

Distance. 

(miles). 

Total 

fall 

(feet). 

Run-off (second- 
feet)^ 

Horsepower (70 
per cent efficiency). 

90 per 
cent of 
time. 

50 per 
cent of 
time. 

90 per 
cent of 
time. 

50 per 
cent of 
time. 

Torrent Creek to Jones Creek. 

6.7 

1,680 

5 

16 

661 

2,120 

Jones Creek to Eagle Creek. 

8.0 

320 

21 

55 

530 

r 380 

Eagle Creek to Blackwater Creek. 

8.5 

180 

46 

124 

650 

l'760 

Blackwater Creek to Wapiti River. 

6.7 

250 

60 

161 

1,170 

3' 170 

Wapiti River to Crag Creek. 

6.3 

120 

89 

226 

841 

2' 130 

Crag Creek to Shoshone reservoir. 

10.0 

640 

110 

280 

5,550 

14,200 


a Based on mean drainage area of section. 
















































































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN 


79 


STORAGE. 

DEVELOPED SITES. 

Four reservoirs have been built and another is under construction 
in the Big Horn drainage basin, as shown by the following table. 
These reservoirs are used for irrigation, as no reservoirs have been 
constructed for water power. 

Developed reservoirs in Big Horn drainage basin. 


Name. 

Project. 

Location. 

Height 

of 

dam. 

Maxi¬ 

mum 

area. 

Capacity. 

Shoshone. 

Ralston. 

United States Reclamation 
Service. 

.do. 

Shoshone River, 8 miles west 
of Cody. 

Sec. 28, T. 55 N., R. 100 W.. 

Sec. 24, T. 1 S., R. 1 W. 

Bull Lake Creek 3 miles 
above mouth. 

Tributary of Shell Creek in 
sec. 36, T. 53 N., R. W.... 

Feet. 

328 

50 

6 

50 

25 

Acres. 

6,600 

200 

2,450 

75 

Acre-ft. 

456,000 

2,100 
6,570 
78,000 

1,410 

Ray Lake a . 

Bull Lake b . 

Adelaide. 

United States Indian Service. 
.do. 

Wyoming Irrigation Co. 


a Supplied by Ray ditch. b Under construction. 


UNDEVELOPED SITES. 

The mountains inclosing the Big Horn drainage basin afford a 
number of opportunities for storing water, and reconnaissance sur¬ 
veys have been made by several organizations to show approximate 
capacities, together with height and length of dams for proposed 
reservoirs. The following tabulated results of the surveys of the 
larger sites have been taken chiefly from the State engineer’s records: 


Undeveloped reservoir sites in Big Horn drainage basin. 


Name. 

Source of supply. 

Location. 

Tribu¬ 
tary 
drain¬ 
age area. 

Height 

of 

dam. 

Crest 

length. 

Area. 

Capacity 




S‘j. miles. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

A cres. 

Acre-ft. 

Upper Wind 

Wind River. 

Sec. 25, T. 42 N., 

230 

100 

250 

1,480 

44,000 

River. 


R. 108 W. 






Dinwoody Lakes. 

Dinwoody Creek.. 

Tps. 4 and 5, R. 

100 

40 

550 

950 

26,000 



5 W. 






Lnnp r Reach 

North Fork of 

T. 33 N., R. 102 W.. 


40 

33 

670 



Popo Agie. 







Louis Lake. 

Little Popo Agie 

Sec. 1, T. 30 N., R. 

. 

40 

240 

282 

8,010 


River. 

101 W. 







f North Fork of 

Sec. 1, T. 1 S., R. 


f 57 


310 

23,000 

Raft Lake. 

» T.ittlp Wind 

5 W' 


\ 107 



54'000 

Tiivppp. T,akp. . 

South Fork at Lit- 

Sec. 3, T. 33 N., R. 


46 


198 

12,500 


tie Wind. 

104 W. 





Owl Creek. 

South Fork of Owl 

Sec. 27, T. 43 N.,R. 

35 

115 

550 

145 

6,690 


Creek. 

102 W. 






T.i 1.1. 1 fi Buffalo 


Dam in sec.4, T. 47 


160 


1,330 

75,800 

Basin. 


N., R. 99 W. 






Buffalo Basin 


Dam in sec. 24, T. 


88 

2,500 

1,225 

42,800 



49 N., R. 98 W. 




Buffalo Crept 


Secs. 10-14,24, T. 47 


175 

2,700 

2,900 

145,000 



N., R. 99 W. 



West Tensleep 

West Tensleep 

Sec. 33, T.50N., R. 

29 



115 


Lake. 

Creek. 

86 W. 






East Tensleep 

East Tensleep 

Sec. 11, T. 49 N., R. 

5.5 



100 


Lake. 1 

Creek. 

86 W. 












































































80 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Undeveloped reservoir sites in Big Horn drainage basin Continued. 


Name. 

Source of supply. 

Location. 

Tribu¬ 

tary 

drain- 

Height 

of 

dam. 

Crest 

length. 

! 

Area. 

Capacity. 




age area 







So. miles. 

Feel. 

Feet. 

Acres. 

Acre-ft. 

Tensleep Mead- 

East Tensleep 

Secs. 32, 33, T. 49 

38 

50 

360 

337 

13,500 

ows. 

Creek. 

N., R. 86 W. and 
sec. 5, T. 48 N., 








R. 86 W. 




155 

8,570 

Lake Solitude.... 

Middle Fork of 

Sec. 31, T. 51 N., 

14 

161 

585 

hi 

Paintrock Creek. 

R. 86 W. 



1,000 

291 

5,900 

Summit . 

Paintrock Creek... 

Sec. 20, T. 50 N., 


36 


R. 89'W. 





16,000 

TT fl.vm akftr 

Crevhnll 

Secs. 11 and 14. T. 

80 

100 

850 




47 N., R. 105 W. 




15,000 

Canyon 

do. 

Just below Hay¬ 
maker site. 

82 

100 

800 







23,000 

Tinner Grfwhnll 

do 

Sec. 36, T. 48 N., 

118 

100 

900 




R. 105 W. 



6,250 

84,000 

Grevbull. 

.do. 

Secs. 19-21, 28-30, 
T.48 N.,R. 104 W. 

406 

190 

2,200 






Upper Sunshine.. 

t G r e y b u 11 and 
\ Wood rivers. 

[South of Greybull 
•{ River in T. 48 N., 
R. 101 W. 

| 624 

153 

1,000 

1,110 

49,500 

Lower Sunshine.. 

. .do. 

.do. 

624 

162 

1,660 

880 

42,600 

Farmers. 

Wood River. 

Sec. 31, T. 47 N., 

100 

1,100 

543 

14,500 



R. 97 W. 





Meadows. 

.do. 

Mouth of Jojo Creek 
in T. 46 N., R. 

28 

133 

2,160 

372 

22,700 








103 W. 







The dam site on upper Wind River is in the main valley of the 
stream, miles below the mouth of Du Noir River. The valley 
here narrows to 75 feet at the bottom and 250 feet at a point 100 feet 
above the bottom. The outcropping rock at the dam site is soft 
sandstone, and the area that would be submerged is good bottom 
land. The mean annual discharge at this site is estimated at 250,000 
acre-feet. 

Dinwoody Lakes are a series of natural lakes, 6 miles long, the low¬ 
est 3 miles above the mouth of the creek. A dam 40 feet high at the 
outlet of the second lake upstream, in sec. 28, T. 5 N., R. 5 W., would 
have a crest length of 550 feet and create a reservoir of 26,000 acre- 
feet capacity. A dam 20 feet high at the outlet of the first lake in 
sec. 16, T. 5 N., R. 5 W., would have a crest length of 250 feet and 
create additional storage of 4,000 acre-feet, making a combined ca¬ 
pacity of 30,000 acre-feet. The mean of four years’ records shows 
the total run-off at the reservoir site to be 120,000 acre-feet. 

Raft Lake is on the eastern slope of the Wind River Range at an 
elevation of 9,290 feet. The run-off is roughly estimated at 20,000 
acre-feet. 

Tuygee Lake is on the eastern slope of the Wind River Range at 
an elevation of 9,904 feet. If a dam were built at the outlet to raise 
the water surface to 9,950 feet, and a tunnel built enabling water to 
be drawn down to 9,900 feet level, storage amounting to 12,500 acre- 
feet could be obtained. No estimate of run-off has been made. 

The Owl Creek site is a small basin lying just above Owl Creek Can¬ 
yon. The State engineer made a survey of this site, which showed 





















































BIG HORN RIVER BASIN. 


81 


that a dam having a maximum height of 123 feet and a crest length 
of 550 feet would store 6,690 acre-feet. 


Area and capacity of proposed Owl Creek reservoir at different elevations. 


Elevation (feet). 

Area 

(acres). 

Capacity 

(acre- 

feet). 

Elevation (feet). 

Area 

(acres). 

Capacity 

(acre- 

feet). 

8,210. 

0 

0 

8,275 

61 

1 540 

8,225. 

7 

50 

8,300 

102 

3 590 

8,250. 

26 

456 

8,325 

145 

6,'690 






No records showing the total run-off of Owl Creek are available, 
but by comparison with the flow of Wind River the run-off at the 
reservoir site is estimated to be 25,000 acre-feet. 

The Buffalo Basin, Little Buffalo Basin, and Buffalo Creek reser¬ 
voir sites are on intermittent streams that can not be relied on to 
furnish an adequate water supply, and so must depend on the flow 
of Greybull and Wood rivers. From a comparison of the fragmentary 
records of Greybull River with the records of the Big Horn, it is 
estimated that the mean annual run-off of Greybull River below 
Wood River is 300,000 acre-feet. The land under adjudicated ditches 
and that under completed but unadjudicated ditches is 108,000 
acres. With a consumptive duty of 1^ acre-feet to an acre, 162,000 
acre-feet would be required to satisfy these rights, leaving about 
138,000 acre-feet available for storage. 

West Tensleep Lake is on the west slope of the Big Horn Mountains 
at an elevation of 9,040 feet. By a short diversion the run-off from a 
tributary entering West Tensleep Creek 2 miles below the lake can be 
diverted into the lake, increasing its tributary area to 29 square miles. 
Without this diversion the tributary area is 16 square miles. The 
mean annual run-off from the 29 square miles is estimated from 
records on Tensleep Creek to be 23,000 acre-feet. 

East Tensleep Lake is on the western slope of the Big Horn Moun¬ 
tains at an elevation of 9,735 feet. The mean annual run-off is 
estimated to be 5,000 acre-feet. 

At the Tensleep Meadows, on East Tensleep Creek 5 miles below 
East Tensleep Lake, at an elevation of 8,300 feet, the mean annual 
run-off is estimated to be 28,000 acre-feet, which includes the run-off 
available for storage in East Tensleep Lake. 

Lake Solitude is on the west side of the Big Horn Mountains at an 
elevation of 9,375 feet and surrounded by steep slopes. The mean 
annual run-off is estimated to be 13,000 acre-feet. 

The Haymaker and Canyon sites, according to a reconnaissance 
made by the State engineer, are near each other. It is estimated 
that for the Haymaker (upper) site a dam 60 feet high and 500 feet 
long would store 7,000 acre-feet, and a dam 100 feet high and 850 


























82 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

feet long would store 16,000 acre-feet. At the Canyon (lower) site 
a dam 50 feet high and 450 feet long would store 6,000 acre-feet, and 
a dam 100 feet high and 800 feet long would store 15,000 acre-feet. 
By comparison of the discharge of Greybull River near Meeteetse, 
the mean annual run-off at the two reservoir sites is estimated to be 
65,000 acre-feet. 

At the Upper Greybull site, according to a reconnaissance made by 
the State engineer, a dam 50 feet high and 400 feet long would store 
8,000 acre-feet, and a dam 100 feet high and 900 feet long would 
store 23,000 acre-feet. By comparison of the discharge of Grey¬ 
bull River near Meeteetse the mean annual run-oil at the reservoir 
site is estimated to be 94,000 acre-feet, including the How at the Hay¬ 
maker and Canyon sites. 

At the Greybull site, as shown by a reconnaissance made by the 
State engineer, a dam 190 feet high and 2,260 feet in maximum 
length would provide storage for 84,000 acre-feet. By comparison 
of the flow of Greybull and Wood rivers the mean annual run-off at 
this site is 270,000 acre-feet, or 176,000 acre-feet in addition to that 
passing the upper reservoir sites. 

Sunshine Basin, lying between Greybull and Wood rivers near 
their junction, contains two reservoir sites that have been surveyed 
in detail. These sites, known as the upper and lower sites, are in the 
channel of Sunshine Creek and can be supplied from Greybull and 
Wood rivers. The following tables have been compiled from maps 
filed in the State engineer’s office: 


Area and capacity of proposed upper Sunshine reservoir at different elevations. 


Elevation (feet). 

Area 

(acres). 

Capacity 

(acre- 

feet). 

Elevation (feet). 

Area 

(acres). 

Capacity 

(acre- 

feet). 

5 890 . 

0 

0 

5,970. 

345 

8,250 

5,900. 

2 

7 

5,980. 

434 

12,100 

5'910. 

12 

74 

5,990. 

556 

17,100 

5'920. 

24 

258 

6,000. 

670 

23,200 

5'930. 

44 

590 

6,010. 

788 

30,500 

5'940. 

114 

1,370 

6,020. 

950 

39,100 

5' 950. 

189 

2,900 

6,030. 

1,110 

49,500 

5,960. 

269 

5 ,190 




Area and capacity of proposed lower Sunshine reservoir at different elevations. 


Elevation (feet). 

Area 

(acres). 

• 1 

Capacity 

(acre- 

feet). 

Elevation (feet). „— 

Area 

(acres). 

Capacity 

(acre- 

feet). 

6.111. 

0 

0 

6,190. 

280 

359 

450 

542 

637 

734 

829 

880 

5,610 

8,800 

12,800 

17,800 

23,700 

30.600 
38,400 

42.600 

6,120. 

3 

12 

6'200. 

6j 130. 

7 

68 

6,210. 

6,140. 

18 

196 

6'220. 

6,150. 

35 

455 

6,230. 

6,160. 

65 

933 

6,240. 

6;170. 

109 

1,790 

3,260 

6,250. 

6,180. 

189 

6', 255. 










































































CLARK FORK BASIN. 


83 


The source of supply is the same as for the Buffalo Basin site, and 
138,000 acre-feet is estimated as available for storage. (See p. 81.) 

The meadows site is at the junction of Wood River and Jojo 
Creek, just above the rapids on Wood River. The State engineer 
surveyed this site and found that a dam 133 feet high and 2,160 feet 
long would store 22,700 acre-feet. 


Capacity oj proposed Meadows reservoir at different elevations. 


Elevation (feet). 

Capacity 

(acre- 

feet). 

! 

Elevation (feet). 

Capacity 

(acre- 

feet). 

8,175. 

0 

600 
3,100 

8,250. 

7,700 
14,300 
22,700 

8,200.... 

S, 275 

8.225. 

8,300 




By comparison of records of flow at the mouth of Wood River the 
annual run-off at the reservoir site is estimated to he 20,000 acre-feet. 


CLARK FORK BASIN. 

GENERAL FEATURES. 

The area in Wyoming drained by Clark Fork of Yellowstone River 
comprises the extreme northwest corner of the Big Horn Basin and 
the eastern slope of the mountain forming the boundary of that part 
of the basin. On the east the Clark Fork Basin is bounded by the 
Shoshone River basin. 

Of the 1,350 square miles included in the drainage area of Clark 
Fork at the State line, about 1,000 square miles is in the Beartooth 
and Absaroka ranges, a region of perennial run-off. The Absaroka 
Mountains extend in a north-south line for more than 80 miles with 
an average width of 50 miles At the north end of the range the 
broad valley of Clark Fork sharply separates the range from the 
Beartooth Mountains, the river flowing closely under the cliffs that 
mark {fee northern escarpment of this vast pile of lavas. The 
Absaroka Mountains present a broad, deeply eroded plateau with 
irregular lateral spurs, putting out from a high, well-defined divide. 
Along the east side this mass of lava rises out of the plain from an 
elevation of about 5,000 feet. Index Peak, the highest point in the 
basin, has an elevation of 11,740 feet. 16 

Between Clark Fork and Shoshone River there is a ridge extend¬ 
ing from the vicinity of Heart Mountain, a few miles north of Cody, 
to Pryor Mountain, in Montana. At the southwest end of the ridge 
the divide is very narrow, but to the northeast it is continued as a 
broad plateau which is one of the prominent topographic features 
of the northern part of the Big Horn Basin. On either side of 


>« Hague, Arnold, U. S. Geol. Survey Geol. Atlas, Absaroka folio (No. 52) .1889. 
























84 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

Clark Fork the surface rises gradually toward the surrounding high¬ 
lands West of Clark Fork, between the valley and the high mount¬ 
ains, there are a number of prominent hills, some of which have an 
altitude of nearly 7,000 feet. 

In the lower part of the basin near the State line the precipita¬ 
tion is about 11 inches, but in the upper part it increases rapidly 
with altitude, reaching 30 inches or more on the divide. 

Clark Fork rises in the south end of the Beartooth Mountains 
about 10 miles north of the Wyoming-Montana line. It flows south¬ 
east for 28 miles, then east for 5 miles, again southeast for 10 miles 
until being joined by Sunlight Creek it makes a right-angle turn and 
flows northeast for 30 miles and crosses the State line 10 miles north 
of Clark post office. Its upper course is through a broad valley, but 
just below Crandall Creek it enters an imposing gorge known as 
Clark Fork canyon, through which it flows for 23 miles. The canyon 
is a narrow defile with nearly vertical walls rising in places over 1,200 
feet above the stream. Below the gorge the river again flows through 
a broad valley to the State line. It enters Yellowstone River a few 
miles east of Laurel, Mont. 

MEASURED DRAINAGE AREAS. 


Measured drainage areas in Clark Fork Basin, in square miles. 


Stream. 

Drainage area above— 

Area. 

Clark Fork. 

Mouth of Pilot Creek. 

120 

307 

728 

800 

929 

1,350 

17 

113 

174 

40 

142 

220 

62 

27 

89 

83 

Do. 

Mouth of Crandall Creek. 

Do. 

Mouth of Dead Indian Creek. 

Do.. 

Mouth of canyon. 

Do. 

Gaging station in sec. 8, T. 56 N., R. 102 W_ 

Montana line. 

Do. 

Pilot Creek. 

Mouth. 

Crandall Creek. 

Mouth of North Fork. 

Do. 

Mouth. 

North Fork of Crandall Creek. 

.do. 

Sunlight Creek. 

H ead of canyon. 

Do. 

Mouth.I. 

Dead Indian Creek. 

.do. 

Paint Creek. 

.do. 

Pat O’Hara Creek. 

.do. 

Bennett Creek. 

.do. 




GAGING-STATION RECORDS. 


CLARK FORK NEAR CLARK, WYO. 

Location.— In sec. 8, T. 56 N., R. 102 W., at highway bridge, 9 miles below mouth 
of canyon and 4 miles south of Clark, Park County. Nearest tributary, Pat 
O’Hara Creek, enters 400 feet upstream. 

Drainage area.— 929 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000b 

Records available. —April 20. 1919, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage.— Gurley water-stage recorder at bridge, installed April 24 , 1921 ; referred to 
chain gage on bridge previously used. 

Extremes or discharge.— 1919-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 7.35 feet at 2 a. m., 
June 12, 1921 (discharge, 10,500 second-feet); minimum discharge occurred 
during winter. 


















































CLARK FORK BASIN. 


85 


Diversions. —One canal diverts water from Clark Fork just above station. Maximum 
measured discharge, 34 second-feet. Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversion 
of 98 second-feet from Clark Fork below station in Wyoming, and 82 second-feet 
from tributaries entering above. 

Accuracy. —Staff gage read twice daily during 1919 and 1920; gage heights from con¬ 
tinuous record during 1921. Rating curve well defined. Records excellent 
except during winter, for which they are fair. 

Monthly discharge of Clark Fork near Clark, Wyo.,for 1919-1921. 


Month. 


April 20-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1919. 


The period. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1919-20. 


The year. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1920-21. 


The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. Minimum 


1,240 
6,730 
2,370 
940 
640 
530 


420 

290 


272 

3.160 

7.160 
6,310 
1,990 

565 


7,160 


362 

243 


370 
6,100 
9,920 
3,420 
990 
485 


9,920 


410 

664 

960 

370 

240 

195 


210 


170 

272 

1,610 

1,860 

565 

350 


222 

150 


241 

301 

3,670 

910 

394 

229 


Mean. 


772 
2,980 
1,630 
551 
343 
281 


239 
200 
180 
170 
160 
170 
217 
1,450 
4,890 
3,790 
1,160 
419 


1,090 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


286 

206 

150 

150 

140 

175 

294 

2,460 

6,110 

1,880 

573 

326 


1,060 


16,800 
183,000 
97,000 
33,900 
21,100 
16,700 


368,000 


14,700 

11.900 
11,100 
10,500 

9,200 
10,500 

12.900 
89,200 

291,000 
233,000 
71,300 

24.900 


790,000 


17,600 
12,300 
9,220 
9,220 
7,780 
10,800 
17,500 
151,000 
364,000 
116,000 
35,200 
19,400 


770,000 


IRRIGATION. 

The lands along Clark Fork and its principal tributaries are irri¬ 
gated extensively by individual ditches. 


Areas covered by completed ditches in Clark Fork basin, in acres. 

[Compiled from Fourteenth Biennial Report of State engineer.] 


Stream. 

Adjudi¬ 

cated 

(including 

territorial 

rights). 

Completed 
but not ad¬ 
judicated. 


6,036 

1,828 


0 

679 


160 

811 


2,671 

602 


946 

353 


4,993 

1,432 


842 

968 


191 

881 


15,839 

7,554 



























































































86 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


WATER POWER. 

DEVELOPED POWER. 

With the exception of one or two small plants temporarily installed 
to operate sawmills, no water power is developed in the Clark Fork 
Basin. 

* UNDEVELOPED POWER. 

No profile surveys have been made for streams in the Clark Fork 
Basin, but topographic maps cover the greater part of the moun¬ 
tainous region and make it possible to determine the power possi¬ 
bilities of the larger streams. Besides those described below,the 
other mountain tributaries could be made to yield power, but as 
they enter the river above the canyon section and do not have the 
heavy fall at their mouths they are of less value than those described. 

MAIN STREAM. 

Elevations and distances along Clark Fork from State line near source to mouth of canyon. 


[Compiled from topographic maps.] 


Point on river. 

Distance (miles). 

Eleva¬ 

tion 

above sea 
level 
(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

From 

source. 

Point to 
point. 

Total. 

Per 

mile. 

State line. 

0 

0 

7,250 



Mouth of Pilot Creek. 

4.4 

4.4 

6.910 

340 

77 

Mouth of Lake Creek. 

10.4 

6.0 

6,620 

290 

48 

Mouth of Squaw Creek. 

14.1 

3.7 

6! 480 

140 

38 

Mouth of Crandall Creek. 

17.9 

3.8 

6,300 

180 

47 

Mouth of Dead Indian Creek. 

34.0 

16.1 

4;900 

1,400 

87 

Mouth of canyon. 

41.0 

7.0 

4; 260 

'640 

92 


The section of river best suited to the development of power is in 
the lower end of the canyon between Sunlight and Dead Indian creeks, 
which enter close together, and the mouth of the canyon. In this 
7-mile stretch the river falls about 640 feet. A reservoir of 450,000 
acre-feet capacity would insure a continuous discharge of 1,000 second- 
feet during a normal year, which would develop 51,000 horsepower 
at 70 per cent efficiency. The height of dam necessary to afford the 
required storage has not been determined. 

Between the mouth of Crandall Creek and Sunlight Creek, a dis¬ 
tance of 16 miles, the river falls about 1,400 feet. A storage reservoir 
with a capacity of 280,000 acre-feet just below Crandall Creek would 
insure a uniform discharge of 640 second-feet. This would develop 
71,000 horsepower in the 16-mile stretch of river below the reservoir. 

LAKE CREEK. 

Between the outlet of the lake and the mouth of Lake Creek the 
creek falls 1,150 feet in 2^ miles. The mean annual discharge is 

























CLARK FORK BASIK. 


87 


estimated as 22,000 acre-feet. It is estimated that with sufficient 
storage to regulate completely the flow at the lake the continuous 
flow in a normal year would be 80 second-feet. This would develop 
2,750 horsepower in the distance between the lake and the mouth. 

BEARTOOTH CREEK. 

Beartooth Lake is about 5 miles from the mouth of Beartooth 
Creek, at an elevation 2,650 feet above Clark Fork. The mean annual 
run-off at the lake is estimated as 40,000 acre-feet. With sufficient 
storage on the lake for complete regulation, the uniform discharge 
would be 56 second-feet, which would develop 11,900 horsepower 
between the lake and river. 

SUNLIGHT CREEK. 

Elevations and distances along Sunlight Creek from Sulphur Creek to the mouth. 

[Compiled from topographic maps.] 


Point on creek. 

Distance (miles). 

Eleva¬ 

tion 

above sea 
level 
(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

From 

source. 

Point to 
point. 

Total. 

Per 

mile. 

Mouth of Sulphur Creek. 

0 

0 

7,200 



Sulphur Lake. 

3.1 

3.1 

7,040 

160 

52 

Mouth of Little Sunlight Creek. 

7.7 

4.6 

6,890 

150 

33 

Mouth of Dry Creek. 

10.5 

2.8 

6,800 

90 

32 

Head of canyon. 

15.5 

5.0 

6,400 

400 

80 

Mouth. 

19.3 

3.8 

4,900 

1,500 

395 


The best power site on Sunlight Creek is at the lower end, where 
the creek falls swiftly through a canyon to meet Clark Fork, which 
is in a deep canyon at that point. The mean annual run-off at the 
head of the canyon is estimated as 142,000 acre-feet, which with 
complete storage would give a uniform flow of 195 second-feet. 
This would develop 23,000 horsepower in the 3.8 miles of canyon. 


DEAD INDIAN CREEK. 

Elevations and distances along Dead Indian Creek from source to mouth. 

[Compiled from topographic maps.] 



Distance (miles). 

Eleva¬ 

tion 

Descent (feet). 

Point on creek. 

From 

source. 

Point 
to point. 

above 
sea level 
(feet). 

Total. 

Per mile. 


0 

0 

11,100 




2.6 

2.6 

9,000 

2 ,ioo 

807 

Month nf trlhnt.arv from south. 

5.2 

2.6 

8,000 

1,000 

385 

Cnntnnr ornssiTifT ... 

9.0 

3.8 

7,000 

1,000 

263 

rinntnnr r>rn<5«dnv . 

14.1 

5.1 

6,200 

800 

157 

TVfrait.h .. 

17.0 

2.9 

4,900 

1,300 

448 






The most feasible power site is in the lower 2.9 miles of the creek, 
where it falls 1,300 feet in a canyon before it joins Clark Fork. The 
mean annual run-off is estimated as 54,000 acre-feet, which with 
complete storage would give a uniform flow of 75 second-feet. This 
would develop 7,800 horsepower in 2.9 miles of canyon. 

105707—23—wsp 469-7 



















































88 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

TONGUE RIVER BASiN. 

GENERAL FEATURES. 

The area drained by Tongue River in Wyoming comprises the 
eastern slope of the Big Horn Mountains from the Montana line 
southward to the drainage basin of Clear Creek, a distance of 35 
miles, and from the mountains northeastward to the State line. 

Of the 1,340 square miles comprising the drainage area of Tongue 
River at the State line, about 214 square miles is in the Big Horn 
Mountains and forms a region of perennial run-off. The Big Horn 
Mountains rise abruptly from the plains, though they are flanked 
by several lines of low hogback ridges. The salient features are the 
central region of high ridges of granite and the front range of sed¬ 
imentary rocks. The central area of the Tongue River basin forms 
an elevated plateau, 9,000 feet in general altitude, which presents 
broad areas of tabular surfaces, especially near the divides, but is 
deeply cut by numerous canyons. The plains area is rugged, alti¬ 
tudes within it ranging from 3,500 feet at the State line to 5,000 
feet on the divides. 17 It contains much badland area through which 
tributary streams have cut deep valleys. 

The average annual precipitation in the drainage basin of Tongue 
River is higher than that of any other plains stream in the State. 
At the State line it is 16 inches, but it increases to 18 inches at the 
base of the mountains and to 30 inches or more at the crest. 

Tongue River rises at the summit of the Big Horn Mountains in 
sec. 1, T. 55 N., R. 91 W., at an elevation of 9,400 feet, and follows 
an easterly course across the high plateau that forms the Big Horn 
Mountains, debouching upon the plains 3 miles above Dayton. 
Across the plains its course is more or less tortuous, but beyond 
Carneyville it turns sharply and flows northeastward to the State 
line. It joins Yellowstone River at Miles City, Mont. In its upper 
course, through the mountains, the river flows through a fairly well 
defined valley, but on crossing the front range, just before it enters 
the plains, it flows through a deep gorge whose sides have a maximum 
height of 2,000 feet. Across the plains its course runs through a 
valley averaging three-quarters of a mile in width, bounded by gently 
sloping sides and badland districts. Before reaching the plains 
Tongue River is joined by many short tributaries, the largest of which 
are Fool Creek, South Fork, Horse Creek, and Sheep Creek. Within 
the plains region the river is joined by Amsden Creek, Little Tongue 
River, and South, Columbus, Wolf, and Goose creeks, all of which 
rise in the mountains, and a number of intermittent tributaries, 
which rise in the plains. Just before leaving Wyoming Tongue River 
is joined by Prairiedog Creek, a stream rising in the foothills of the 
Big Horn Mountains, south of Sheridan. 

17 Darton, N. H., Geology of the Big Horn Mountains, Wyo.: U. S. Geol. Survey Prof. Paper 51, pp. 10- 





TONGUE MVER BASIN. 


89 


MEASURED DRAINAGE AREAS. 

Measured drainage areas in the Tongue River basin, in square miles. 


Stream. 


Drainage area above— 


Area. 


Tongue River. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do...... 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

South Fork. 

Sheep Creek. 

Arasden Creek.... 

Wolf Creek. 

Coose Creek. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Little Goose Creek 

Do. 

Prairiedog Creek.. 

Do. 

Dutch Creek. 


SE. i sec. 16, T. 55 N., R. 90 W. 

Line between secs. 3 and 4, T. 55 N., R. 89 W... 

Mouth of South Fork. 

Mouth of Sheep Creek. 

SE. I sec. 2, T. 51 N., R. 87 W. 

Carney ville. 

Montana line (including Prairiedog Creek). 

Mouth. 

-do. 

-do. 

-do. 

Dome Lake... 

NE. i sec. 35, T. 55 N., R. 86 W. 

Eeckton. 

Mouth of Little Goose Creek. 

Mouth. 

Sec. 30, T. 54 N., R. 84 W... 

Mouth. 

Dutch Creek. 

Mouth. 

_do. 


10 

47 

87 

192 
204 
495- 
1, 340' 
88 - 
9 
9 
66 
15 
108 
148 
182 
406 
71 
159 
132 
359 
171 


GAGING-STATION RECORDS. 

TONGUE RIVER NEAR DAYTON. WYO. 

Location. —In SE. \ sec. 2, T. 56 N., R. 87 W., at mouth of canyon 3£ miles south¬ 
west of Dayton, Sheridan County. Nearest tributary, Amsden Creek, enters 
miles downstream. 

Drainage area.— 204 square miles (measured on topographic map). 

Records available. —November 18, 1918, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Stevens water-stage recorder at right bank, 1,000 feet below head of Highline 
canal. 

Extremes of discharge. —1919-1921: Maximum stage during period, 4.35 feet at 
midnight June 10, 1920 (discharge, 1,700 second-feet); minimum stage, 1 foot at 
9 p. m., November 29, 1919 (discharge, 15 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Only diversion above station is Highline canal, which diverts from 
4,000 to 5,000 acre-feet each year. Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions 
of 256 second-feet from Tongue River below station in Wyoming, of which 75 
second-feet are for power. 

Accuracy. —Gage heights from continuous record. Rating curves well defined. 
Records excellent. 

Monthly discharge of Tongue River near Dayton, Wyo., 1919-1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

1918-19. 



75 

4,610 




70 

4,170 


86 

47 

70.5 

4,330 


67 

59 

65.5 

3, 900 


69 

54 

63.1 

3,500 


82 

52 

59.5 

3,660 


348 

58 

135 

8,030 


575 

194 

364 

22, 400 


360 

95 

214 

12, 700 


111 

59 

81.1 

4,990 

3,290 


69 

43 

53. 5 


57 

37 

44. 4 

2, 640 


575 

37 

108 

78,200 

































































































90 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly ‘discharge of Tongue River near Dayton, Wyo., 1919 1921 Continued. 


October. 

November.. 

December. 

January.. 

February.. 

March.. 

April.. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September- 

The year 


October.. 

November.. 

December.. 

January.. 

February.. 

March.. 

April. 

May.. 

June. 

July. 

August.. 

September_ 

The year 


Month. 


1919-20. 


1920-21. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

69 

40 

56.5 

3,470 

59 

18 

46.6 

2,770 

47 

35 

40.1 

2,470 

54 

36 

46.7 

2, 870 

52 

40 

46.7 

2,690 

57 

38 

48.0 

2,950 

59 

40 

49.5 

2, 950 

1,020 

62 

349 

21, 500 

1, 400 

435 

858 

51,100 

460 

112 

233 

14,300 

114 

68 

93.0 

5,720 

76 

60 

66.9 

3,980 

1, 400 

18 

• 161 

117, 000 

76 

38 

62.7 

3, 860 

64 

31 

51.4 

3, 060 

60 

47 

51.9 

3,190 

57 

46 

52.8 

3, 250 

66 

44 

58.2 

3, 230 

64 

46 

55.8 

3,430 

110 

62 

84.1 

5,000 

623 

77 

322 

19, 800 

508 

216 

340 

20, 200 

222 

155 

183 

11,300 

167 

70 

122 

7,500 

78 

57 

66.0 

3,930 

623 

1 

31 

121 

87, 800 


TONGUE RIVER AT DAYTON, WYO. 

Location. —At highway bridge at Dayton, in Sheridan County. Nearest tributary, 
Little Tongue River, enters a short distance above. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available. —May 1 to October 31, 1903. 

Ga'ge. —Vertical staff attached to bridge pier; read by T. S. Wilson. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curve not well defined. Records fair. 

Monthly discharge of Tongue River at Dayton , Wyo., for 1903. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 


666 

935 

594 

285 

175 

215 

Ill 

582 

173 

97 

142 

132 

348 

757 

352 

152 

153 

154 

21,400 
45,000 
21,600 
9,350 
9,100 
9,470 



August. 

September. 

October. 

The period. 




116,000 

• - - - — --- _ 





TONGUE RIVER AT CARNEYVILLE, WYO. 

Location.— In sec. 20, T. 57 N., R. 84 W., at highway bridge at Carneyville, in 
Sheridan County. Nearest important tributary, Goose Creek, enters 3 miles 
below. 

Drainage area.— 495 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming scale 
1:500,000). ’ 

Records available.— May 25, 1911, to October 31, 1912; April 4, 1915, to June 30, 














































































TONGUE RIVER BASIN. 


91 


Gage. —Chain gage on downstream side of bridge; read by Walter Bone. 

Extremes of discharge. —1911-12, 1915-1917: Maximum stage recorded, 7.3 feet 
at 11.30 a. m. June 18, 1917 (discharge, 2,690 second-feet); minimum stage re¬ 
corded, 2.5 feet August 20, 21, September 13, 1911 (discharge, 49 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 188 second-feet 
from Tongue River above station and 33 second-feet below. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily 1911-12 and twice daily 1915-1917. Rating curves 
fairly well defined. Records good. 

Monthly discharge of Tongue River at Carneyville, Wyo., for 1911-12 , 1915-1917. 


May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


October.... 
November.. 
March 27-31 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 
October.... 


April 4-30-... 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


October.... 
November., 
March 15-31 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


October.. 

November 1-12 

April 8-30.. 

May. 

June. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Month. 


1911. 


1911-12. 


1915. 


1915-16. 


1916-17. 



Run-cff in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

580 

200 

342 

21,000 

603 

138 

368 

21,900 

200 

58 

101 

6,210 

168 

49 

86.9 

5,340 

125 

49 

86.3 

5,140 




59,600 




153 

65 

101 

6,210 

112 

75 

82.9 

4,930 

2,010 

320 

1,100 

10,900 

580 

100 

213 

12,700 

1,770 

145 

598 

36, 800 

1,950 

630 

1,260 

75,000 

835 

155 

414 

25,500 

320 

78 

137 

8,420 

490 

70 

181 

10, 800 

380 

170 

232 

14,300 

715 

42 

175 

9,370 

1,780 

164 

695 

42,700 

2,200 

690 

1,160 

69,000 

895 

147 

398 

24,500 

360 

80 

132 

8,120 

280 

_ 

109 

177 

10,500 




164,000 

260 

133 

167 

10,300 

158 

108 

134 

7,970 

158 

/ 94 

132 

4,450 

540 

116 

215 

12,800 

1,070 

256 

663 

40, 800 

1,600 

690 

1,040 

61,900 

'540 

133 

278 

17,100 

152 

84 

110 

6,760 

120 

88 

100 

5,950 

198 

94 

128 

7, 870 

140 

88 

113 

2,690 

730 

126 

234 

10,700 

1,990 

135 

700 

43,000 

2,600 

986 

1,620 

.96,400 


GOOSE CREEK AT SHERIDAN, WYO. 


Location.— At West Loucks Street Bridge, Sheridan, in Sheridan County. Nearest 
tributary, Little Goose Creek, enters a short distance below. Old station main¬ 
tained in 1896 and 1897 was in northern part of Sheridan at Fifth Avenue Bridge, 
below mouth of Little Goose Creek. 

Drainage area. —182 square miles. (Old station 341 square miles.) 

Records available.— May 14, 1911, to October 31, 1912; April 1, 1915, to September 
30,1916. State engineer maintained station at this point during 1913. April 10 
to September 30,1896, May 21 to August 2,1897, records kept at old station. 







































































92 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Gage.— Vertical staff on inside face of left abutment; installed April 20, 1916; read by 
William Yeager. Gage installed May 14, 1911, was vertical staff on footbridge 
at City Park several hundred yards below. On August 14, 1915, gage was moved 
to left abutment of footbridge and referred to datum 1.0 foot higher. During 1896 
and 1897, staff gage fastened to piles of Fifth Avenue Bridge; read by Felix O Con- 
nor. 

Extremes of discharge. —1911-12, 1915-16: Maximum mean daily stage recoided, 
7.25 feet June 9, 1912 (discharge, 2,860 second-feet); minimum mean daily stage 
recorded, 2.84 feet July 22, 1911 (discharge, 2.8 second-feet). 

Diversions. —During irrigation season greater part of flow diverted above station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curves fairly well defined. Records fair. 

Monthly discharge of Goose Creek at Sheridan , Wyo., for 1896-9 /, 1911-12 , 1915-16. 


Month. 


April 10-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1896. 


The period. 


May 21-31. 

June. 

July. 


1897.. 


The period. 


May 14-31.. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1911. 


The period. 


October.... 
N ovember. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 
October.... 


1911-12. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


April....... 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1915. 


The period. 


October. 

N ovember... 
March 18-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 


1915-16. 


Run-cff in 





acre-feet;. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 


132 

71 

88.7 

3,690 

526 

40 

193 

11,900 

6.50 

42 

242 

14,400 

100 

40 

60.0 

3,690 

55 

26 

38.7 

2,380 

31 

17 

21.4 

1,270 




37,300 





595 

179 

349 

7,540 

307 

64 

132 

7,860 

75 

7 

37.2 

2,290 


| 

17,700 




380 

119 

198 

7,080 

530 

21 

243 

14, .500 

37 

2.8 

14.6 

898 

58 

3.6 

17.8 

1,090 

30 

7.2 

16.-9 

1,010 




24,600 





43 

17 

26. 5 

1,630 

43 

29 

33.4 

1,990 

53 

34 

41.9 

2,490 

1.320 

48 

320 

19,700 

2,860 

127 

1,090 

64,900 

480 

39 

144 

8, 850 

80 

34 

52.8 

3,250 

160 

29 

82.8 

4,930 

158 

106 

122 

7,500 

224 

22 

75.5 

4,490 

997 

87 

295 

18,200 

1,860 

423 

817 

50,400 

541 

13 

202 

12,400 

26 

4 

13.2 

812 

166 

13 

71.0 

4,220 




90 500 





166 

56 

93.7 

5,950 

173 

38 

87.2 

5,190 

59 

22 

35.9 

'997 

149 

30 

68.4 

4,070 

508 

120 

242 

14,900 

1,180 

245 

585 

34,800 

317 

5 

89.7 

5,520 

12 

4 

6.8 

418 

23 

6 

14.0 

833 





















































































TONGUE RIVER BASIN. 


93 


LITTLE GOOSE CREEK NEAR BIG HORN, WYO. 

Location. —In secs. 30, T. 54 N., R. 84 W.,at highway bridge at Hilman’s ranch, 3. 
miles southwest of Big Horn, Sheridan County. Nearest tributary, Teepee Creek, 
enters 7 miles upstream. 

Drainage area.— 71 square miles (measured on topographic map). 

Records available.— May 4, 1919, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage.— Chain fastened to downstream side of bridge. 

Extremes of Discharge —1919-1921: Maximum stage recorded during period, 3.5 
feet at 7 a. m., June 12,1920 (discharge, 595 second-feet); minimum stage recorded 
0.22 foot in afternoon of September 30, 1921 (discharge, 6 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Four ditches, Last Chance, D. Cross, Red Hill, and Peralta, divert 
water above station. The latter receives its supply from Cross Creek, which is 
diverted into Little Goose Creek. Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions 
of 180 second-feet from creek below station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curves well defined. Records good 
except during winter, for which they are fair. 

Monthly discharge of Little Goose Creek near Big Horn , Wyo., for 1919-1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1919. 





May. 

225 

46 

116 

7,130 

June. 

108 

64 

83.3 

4! 960 

July. 

76 

23 

53.5 

3,290 

August. 

33 

15 

21.5 

l'320 

September. 

16 

8 

10.1 

601 

The period.,. 




17,300 

1919-20. 




October. 

17 

8 

12.1 

744 

November. 

32 

13 

19.2 

1,140 

December. 



14 

861 

January. 



13 

799 

February. 



13 

748 

March. 



12 

738 

April. 

i9 

12 

15.3 

910 


410 

19 

216 

15,100 


595 

185 

338 

20,100 


182 

50 

88.3 

5; 430 

August. 

67 

21 

32.4 

1,990 

September. 

20 

16 

18.0 

1,070 

The year. 

595 


68.5 

49,600 

1920-21. 





October. 

19 

14 

16.0 

984 

November..«. 

18 

12 

16.1 

958 

December. 

15 

10 

13.6 

836 

January. 

14 

12 

12.7 

781 

February. 

14 

12 

13.0 

722 

March. 

15 

12 

13.6 

836 

April. 

24 

13 

18.5 

1,100 


215 

23 

99.3 

6,110 


185 

64 

115 

6,840 


91 

56 

74.5 

4,580 

August. 

63 

15 

34.8 

2,140 

September. 

16 

6 

11.8 

702 

The year. 

215 

6 

36.7 

26,600 


































































94 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


LITTLE GOOSE CREEK AT SHERIDAN, WYO. 

Location. —At footbridge about 200 yards above point where stream parallels Chicago, 
Burlington & Quincy Railroad and a quarter of a mile above junction with Goose 
Creek. 

Drainage area.— 159 square miles. 

Records available. —May 1, 1896, to August 1, 1897; May 14, 1911, to October 31 
1912. 

Gage. —Vertical staff on downstream end of right abutment of footbridge. Gage read 
from May 1, 1896, t) August 1,18)7, was at Broadway Bridge 690 feet below site 
of present gage. 

Extremes of discharge. —Maximum mean daily stage recorded 4.3 feet June 9, 
1912 (discharge, 410 second-feet). Creek reported dry several times during June 
and July, 1896, and June and July, 1911. 

Diversions. —During the irrigation season the greater part of the stream is diverted 
above th'e station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curves fairly well defined. Records 
good. 


Monthly discharge of Little Goose Creek, at Sheridan , Wyo.,for 1896-97 , 1911-12. 


Month. 


1896. 

May. 

June. 

July. 


The period 


1897. 

May 21-31. 

June. 

July. 


The period 


1911. 

May 14-31. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


October... 

November. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 
September 
October... 


1911-12. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-cfif in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

130 

20 

58.1 

3,570 

130 

0 

33. 1 

1,970 

4.0 

0 

2.39 

147 




5,690 




207 

72 

129 

2,810 

111 

8 

42.0 

2,500 

16 

8 

8.5 

523 




5,830 




82 

1.9 

21.9 

782 

92 

.0 

9.11 

542 

4 

.0 

1. 43 

87.9 

12 

1.0 

5.47 

336 

22 

2.7 

6.65 

397 




2,140 

24 

20 

22.0 

1,350 

36 

22 

26.5 

1,580 

74 

48 

61.9 

3,680 

392 

86 

217 

13,300 

410 

80 

226 

13,400 

96 

9 

42.0 

2,580 

90 

8 

27.0 

1,660 

90 

10 

46.8 

2,780 

112 

70 

89.9 

5; 530 


IRRIGATION. 


PRESENT DEVELOPMENT. 

With the exception of Tongue River itself the streams in the 
Tongue River basin are fully appropriated, and further development 
is dependent upon additional storage. 


















































TONGUE RIVER BASIN. 


95 


Areas covered by completed ditches in Tongue River basin, in acres. 
[Compiled from Fourteenth Biennial Report of State engineer.] 


1 

Stream. 

• 

Acreas covered by 
ditches. 

Adjudicated 

(including 

territorial 

rights). 

Completed 
but not ad¬ 
judicated. 

Tongue River. 

10,273 
1,543 
10,213 
64,429 
3,984 

0 

25 

0 

1,756 

984 

Little Tongue River. 

Wolf Creek^and tributaries. 

Goose Creek and tributaries. 

Prairiedog Creek and tributaries. 



The 10,273 acres under ditch from Tongue River represents chiefly 
valley land, as very little bench land has been irrigated. East of the 
mountains the fall of the river is so slight and the sides of the valley 
so steep that long winding ditches with numerous flumes would be 
required to reach the bench lands. 

Not only is the natural run-off of Wolf Creek fully appropriated, 
but water is diverted into it from the North Fork of Goose Creek 
near sec. 16, T. 54 N., R. 87 W., and also by the Patrick ditch, which 
heads in Goose Creek near the mouth of the canyon. 

Of the 66,000 acres under completed ditch from Goose Creek and 
tributaries, the greater area is in the Little Goose basin. The streams 
are all fully appropriated, as this is one of the oldest and most suc¬ 
cessfully irrigated regions in the State. 

The waters of Prairiedog Creek are so fully appropriated that an 
additional supply sufficient to irrigate 15,700 acres additional is 
diverted into it from Piney Creek through two ditches, making a 
total of 20,700 acres irrigated in the drainage basin. 

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT. 

Tongue River, the waters of which are not fully appropriated, affords 
the only opportunity for irrigating any considerable new area. On 
account of the expensive work involved probably irrigation will not 
be extended in the near future. One project has been under con¬ 
sideration for at least 15 years. 

An irrigation district was formed under the State laws by citizens 
of Parkman for the purpose of irrigating 10,000 acres in that vicinity. 
The water supply is to be brought from Tongue River by a ditch 
to be located somewhere in the canyon. No construction work has 
been done, but surveys have been made.. A mean of four years’ 
records at Carneyville, below most of the diversions from Tongue 
River, shows a flow of 125,000 acre-feet from May to September, 
inclusive. 


















96 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

WATER POWER. 

DEVELOPED POWER. 

TONGUE RIVER. 

The Dayton roller mill and electric-light plant are operated by 
water power. A canal of 30 second-feet capacity diverts water 
from Tongue River 1 mile above Dayton and carries it to a timber 
forebay 16 feet high, which contains an 18-inch turbine of unknown 
type, installed many years ago. The turbine, which generates 
30 horsepower under a head of 14 feet, is between the mill and electric- 
light plant. On one side the turbine is bevel geared to a horizontal 
shaft leading to the mill, and on the other side it is bevel geared to a 
shaft leading to the light plant. The shaft leading to the light plant 
is belt connected to a 17-kilowatt Westinghouse direct-current genera¬ 
tor of 125 volts operating at 1,125 revolutions a minute. A transmis¬ 
sion line of 6,240 feet, consisting of No. 8 wire for the main line and 
of Nos. 10 and 12 wire for the side line, carries the current to Dayton. 
The mill operates nine hours a day for three or four months in the 
year, and the electric-light plant is operated at night. A 40-horse¬ 
power gas engine is installed in the plant but is not used, as the 
water supply is adequate during the entire year. 

GOOSE CREEK. 

At the Beckton flour mill a short canal from Goose Creek creates a 
fall of about 7 feet, and this is utilized by a turbine developing about 
20 horsepower. 

The Sheridan Manufacturing Co.’s flour mill at Sheridan has a 
canal one-third of a mile long, that leads from a concrete diversion 
dam in Goose Creek to an open concrete forebay at the mill, giving an 
operating head of X3 feet. A 21-inch McCormick turbine developing 
37 horsepower is bevel geared to a horizontal shaft, belt connected 
to the machinery in the mill. The turbine has a hand governor. 
The mill operates continuously. The water supply is adequate 
except during the late irrigation season. At that time the mill is 
operated by an electric motor obtaining power from the city light 
company. 

UNDEVELOPED POWER. 

• r 

No profile surveys are available for streams in the Tongue River 
basin, but topographic maps cover the mountainous part of it, where 
the possible power sites are situated. 


TONGUE RIVER BASIN. 


97 


TONGUE RIVER. 

Elevations and distances along Tongue River from source to Montana-Wyoming State 

line. 


[Compiled from topographic map.] 



Distance (miles). 

Elevation 
above 
sea level 
(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

Point on river. 

From 

source. 

Pointto 

point. 

Total. 

Per mile. 

Source. 

0 


9,400 



Sec. 16, T. 55 N., R. 90 W. 

4.5 

4.5 

8' 500 

900 

200 

Line between secs. 3 and 4, T. 55 N., R. 89 W. 

11.5 

7 

8^ 000 

500 

71 

Mouth of South Fork.. 

20.7 

9.2 

6,990 

1,010 
2,110 

110 

Mouth of Sheep Creek. 

26.0 

5.3 

4.880 

252 

Mouth of Amsden Creek. 

31.2 

5.2 

4,000 

'880 

169 

Ranchester. 

39.2 

8 

3,750 

250 

31 

Mouth of Slater ('reek. 

49.7 

10.5 

3' 650 

100 

10 

Sec. 6, T. 57 N., R. 83 W. (3 miles above State line).. 

64.8 

15.1 

3,500 

150 

10 


Several investigations of Tongue River have been made to deter¬ 
mine the power possibilities, but the most comprehensive was that 
made by the United States Forest Service. From the report of this 
survey 18 data regarding reservoir sites, conduits, and operating head 
have been taken. 

The section of greatest power is that between the South Fork and 
the mouth of the canyon. To determine the water supply, records of 
discharge at the mouth of the canyon are available form 1919 to 1921. 
Long-time records in northern Wyoming show that 1919 was the 
year of smallest run-off in the 19-year period 1903-1921, and that 
1920 was a median year. By using the later record the results ob¬ 
tained are those to be expected 50 per cent of the time with storage 
just sufficient to equalize the flow for that } r ear. If the storage 
capacity is increased, it will be possible to carry water over from the 
wet years and increase the percentage of time the full power will be 
available. With the present records it is impossible to determine 
the capacity needed to insure full power 100 per cent of the time. 

Two possibilities for the development of power present themselves. 
One is to build a reservoir near the mouth of South Fork and utilize 
the head in the section 2 miles below South Fork, and the other is to 
build a reservoir on Tongue River below South bork and utilize the 
head between it and the mouth of the canyon. 

A reservoir on South Fork in sec. 33, T. 56 N., R. 88 W., having a 
capacity of 26,000 acre-feet, would completely regulate the discharge 
for a median year, giving a continuous discharge of 75 second-feet. 
With a tunnel 13,000 feet long extending to the power-house site 
just above the reservoir site on Tongue River an operating head of 
575 feet would be available, developing 3,400 horsepower at 70 per 
cent efficiency. 

is Whitsit, L. A., Hydroelectric power resources of the Tongue River, Wyo.: U. S. Forest Service, 1918. 




































98 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

With the regulation of South Fork additional storage of 26,000 
acre-feet by a reservoir in sec. 22, T. 56 N., R. 88 W., 2 miles below 
South Fork, would regulate completely the flow at that point, insur¬ 
ing a continuous discharge of 145 second-feet for the median year. 
A tunnel 11,000 feet long leading north to Sheep Creek, thence a 
pipe line 19,000 feet long leading to the power-house site, 3 miles 
above the mouth of the canyon, in sec. 9, T. 56 N., R. 87 W., would 
give an operating head of 2,270 feet. This would develop 26,000 
horsepower at 70 per cent efficiency. By extending the pipe line 
4,500 feet farther downstream the operating head would be increased 
to 2,700 feet, which would develop 31,000 horsepower. 

Without the South Fork reservoir, storage of 52,000 acre-feet 
would be required at the Tongue River site, to equalize the flow dur¬ 
ing the median year. 

GOOSE CREEK. 

Elevations and distances along Goose Creel: from Dome Lake to Beckton. 


[Compiled from topographic maps.] 


Point on stream. 

Distance (miles). 

Elevation 
above 
sea level 
(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

From 

source. 

Point to 
point. 

Total. 

Per mile. 

Dome Lake. 

0 


8,790 



Mouth of tributary from west. 

3.5 

3.5 

7; 950 

840 

240 

Contour crossing. 

7.5 

4.0 

7,000 

950 

238 

NE. \ sec. 35, T. 55 N., R. 86 W. 

11.5 

4.0 

4,500 

2,500 

625 

Beckton. 

16.4 

4.9 

4,040 

460 

94 


The unit run-off varies so greatly, owing to seepage losses through 
the underground channels in the streams that drain the eastern slope, 
that, in the absence of actual records, no attempt has been made to 
estimate the undeveloped power on Goose Creek. 

STORAGE. 

Excellent reservoir sites of considerable capacity, three of which 
are now utilized, have been surveyed by several organizations. The 
United States Forest Service made detailed surveys of the North 
Fork, South Fork, and Rockwood sites in connection with a possible 
power project. The data for these sites are taken from the report 
of that survey. 19 Data on the other sites were obtained from reliable 
sources. 


19 Whitsit, L. A., op. cit. 

































TONGUE RIVER BASIN. 


99 


Principal features of reservoir sites in Tongue River basin. 




1 

Tribu- 



Maxi- 


Name. 

Source of supply. 

Location. 

tary 

drain- 

Height 
of dam. 

Crest 

length. 

mum 

area. 

Capacity. 




age area. 





North Fork. 

North Fork 

Secs. 4, 5, 8,9, T. 55 
N., R. 89 W. 

Sq. miles. 
45 

Feet. 

130 

Feet. 

3,150 

Acres. 

860 

Acre-feet. 

AO c;nn 

South Fork. 

of Tongue River. 
South Fork 

OUU 

19,000 

Secs. 4. 5, 8,9, T. 55 
N.,R.88W.,and 

88 

125 

650 

370 


of Tongue River. 



sec. 33, T. 56 N., 
R. 88 W. 






Rockwood. 

Tongue River. 

Secs. 21,22,23, T. 56 
N., R. 88 W. 

180 

320 

360 

280 

31,000 



Park a. 

East Fork of Goose 

Secs. 15,16,21, T. 53 
N.,R.86W. 


80 

600 

268 

7,360 


Creek and Cross 

. 


Creek. 







Dome Lake &. 

West Fork of Goose 

Sec. 11, T. 53 N., 

15 



211 

3,170 


Creek. 

R. 87 W. 



Big Horn &. 

Cross Creek. 

Secs. 28 and 33, T. 


32 

381 

150 

2,620 



53 N., R. 87 W. 



a Partly developed. & Developed. 


The North Fork site is at the mouth of Bull Creek, at an elevation 
of 8,000 feet. The general characteristic of the site is that of an 
open, treeless country. The reservoir bottom consists of alluvial 
deposit surrounded by bench land 50 to 300 feet above the bottom. 
The only dam site would require a dam having a crest length of 3,150 
feet. The annual run-off is estimated as 28,000 acre-feet. 

The South Fork site is immediately above the box canyon portion 
of the South Fork. It has a comparatively level valley bottom and 
steep rocky sides covered with more or less dense timber. The height 
of 125 feet for the dam is limited by a low saddle half a mile north¬ 
west of the dam site. A dam 125 feet high would require a low dike 
1,500 feet long at this point. The annual run-off is estimated as 
52,000 acre-feet. 

The Kockwood site is on the main stream just above the box canyon 
and has a comparatively flat bottom area. The sides of the reservoir 
areTsteep and rise to an elevation of 500 to 1,000 feet above the valley. 
The entire south slope and part of the north slope are covered with a 
dead timber burn and thick underbrush. As the dam site is in the 
narrow part of the canyon a high arch dam can be used. The annual 
run-off is estimated as 100,000 acre-feet. 

Area and capacity of Rockwood reservoir. 


Height 
of dam 
(feet). 

Area 

(acres). 

Capacity 

(acre-feet). 

100 

30 

700 

150 

77 

3,400 

200 

137 

8,700 

250 

190 

16,800 

300 

260 

28,000 

320 

280 

31,000 















































100 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

The Park reservoir site, which is utilized to the extent of 2,000 
acre-feet capacity, is in the Big Horn Mountains at an elevation of 
8,200 feet. Water from this reservoir is diverted to Little Goose 
Creek. It is expected that the dam will be raised to a height of 80 
feet, increasing the capacity to 7,360 acre-feet. 

Dome Lake, at an elevation of 8,800 feet, is utilized by the Dome 
Lake Reservoir Co. The stored water is used to irrigate land in 
Goose Creek valley. 

The Big Horn reservoir is situated at an elevation of 8,600 feet. 
It is utilized by the Wyoming Securities Co. to store water which is 
discharged into Little Goose Creek and used to irrigate land in that 
valley. 

POWDER RIVER BASIN. 

GENERAL FEATURES. 

Powder River and its numerous tributaries drain an area in the 
northeastern part of the State that extends from a point within a 
few miles of North Platte River to the Montana line and from the 
Big Horn and Bridger mountains on the west to a north-south line 
a few miles west of Gillette, on the east. The drainage basin is 
bounded on the northwest by that of Tongue River, on the south by 
the divide separating it from the basin of the North Platte, and on the 
east by the low divide separating it from the basins of Little Powder, 
Belle Fourche, and Cheyenne rivers. 

With the exception of the headwater regions of the North Fork 
and Crazy Woman and Clear creeks, the area drained lies in the 
plains, where the topography is rolling and in places rugged, there 
being extensive badlands. 

The precipitation decreases from 16 inches at the Montana line to 
14 inches at the forks. In the area drained by the South Fork it 
further decreases to 10 inches at the headwaters; in that drained by 
the North Fork it increases to 25 inches or more in the Big Horn 
Mountains. In the drainage area of the two chief tributaries, Crazy 
Woman and Clear creeks, the precipitation decreases from 30 inches 
or more to 16 inches. Over the greater part of this area it is 16 
inches. 

Powder River is formed by the junction of its North and South 
forks in T. 43 N., R. 80 W., a few miles east of Kaycee. North Fork 
rises on the southeastern slope of the Big Horn Mountains and flows 
southeastward to its confluence with the South Fork. It has a 
number of tributaries that rise in the southern extensions of the Big 
Horn Mountains, the largest being Middle Fork. South Fork rises 
in T. 34 N., R. 89 W., and flows northeastward to its junction with 
the North Fork. As it drains a plains area it has few tributaries, 
Wallace, Cave, and W illow creeks being the only perennial ones. 
Below the forks Powder River flows eastward for 15 miles to a point 


POWDER RIVER BASIN. 


101 


where it turns abruptly to the north and flows northward to the 
Montana line. Beyond that line it flows northeastward to Yellow¬ 
stone River. Except Salt Creek, which empties into it a few miles 
below the forks, Powder River has no perennial tributaries for 50 
miles, measured in a straight line. Beyond that stretch Crazy 
Woman and Clear creeks join it from the west. Both streams rise 
in the Big Horn Mountains and flow perennially. 

MEASURED DRAINAGE AREAS. 

Measured drainage areas in Powder River basin, in square miles. 


Stream. 

Drainage area above— 

Area. 

South Fork of Powder River. 

Cave Creek.. 

325 

Do. 

Willow Creek. 

853 

Do. 

Mouth. 

1,230 

Powder River. 

Crazy WOman Creek. 

4 ,920 

Do. 

Arvada. 

e' 050 

Do. 

Clear Creek. 

6,580 

Do. 

Montana line. 

7' 920 

Willow Creek. 

Mouth. 

' 165 

Middle Fork of Powder River. 

Red Fork. 

448 

Do. 

Mouth. 

989 

Buffalo Creek. 

.do. 

231 

Red Fork. 

.do. 

148 

North Fork of Powder River. 

.do.•.. 

306 

Salt Creek. 

Castle Creek. 

348 

Do. 

Mouth. 

838 

Castle Creek. 

.do. 

173 

North Fork of Crazy Woman Creek. 

.do. 

289 

Crazv Woman Creek. 

.do. 

944 

Middle Fork. 

.do. 

116 

South Fork. 

.do. 

116 

Clear Creek. 

Rock Creek. 

205 

Do. 

Piney Creek. 

429 

Do. 

Gaging station near mouth. 

1,110 

North Fork of Clear Creek. 

SoutlVFork.. 

33 

Do. 

Center sec. 6, T. 50 N., R. 82 W. 

122 

South Fork of Clear Creek. 

Sour Dough Creek. 

19 

Do. 

Middle Fork. 

22 

Do. 

Mouth. 

65 

Sour Donvh Creek. 

.do. 

21 

Middle Fork of South Fork. 

.do. 

42 

Rook Creek. . 

.do. 

128 

Pinev Creek. 

Gaging station at Kearney. 

117 

Do . 

Moutll..*. 

253 

Norf.h Pinev Creek. . 

SW. \ sec. 9, T. 53 N., R. 84 W. 

30 

Do . 

SE. i sec. 11, T. 53 N., R. 84 W. 

37 

Do . 

South Piney Creek. 

41 

South Pinev Creek . 

Cloud Peak Lake. 

12 

Do . 

Sec. 13, T. 52 N., R. 85 W. 

31 

Do . 

SW. corner sec. 28, T. 53 N., R. 84 W. 

66 

Do . 

North Piney Creek. 

73 

North Fork of South Pinev.. 

Kearney Lake. 

17 





GAGING-STATION RECORDS. 

MIDDLE FORK OF POWDER RIVER AT KAYCEE, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 12, T. 43 N., R. 32 W., at highway bridge at Kavcee. Nearest 
tributary, North Fork, enters 4 miles downstream. 

Records available. —May 1, 1911, to October 31, 1912. 

Drainage area. —965 square miles. 

Gage.— Vertical staff attached to middle pier of highway bridge. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1911-12: Maximum mean daily gage height recorded, 8.0 
feet May 30,1912 (discharge, 1,440 second-feet); minimum mean daily gage height 
recorded, 2.8 feet July 13-30, 1911 (discharge, 10 second-feet). 

Diversions. —The greater part of the flow is diverted above the gage during the irri¬ 
gation season. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curves well defined for 1911, but poorly 
defined for 1912. Records good for 1911; poor for 1912. 





























































































102 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of Middle Fork of Powder River at Kaycee , Wyo., for 1911 and 1912. 


May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


October... 

November 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 

October... 


Month. 


1911. 


1911-12. 


v 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

365 

130 

163 

10,000 

210 

36 

80.2 

4,770 

53 

10 

16.8 

1,030 

325 

10 

54.0 

3,320 

73 

36 

44.5 

2,650 




21,800 

120 

53 

64.8 

3,980 

95 

50 

60.0 

3,570 

392 

53 

106 

6,310 

1,440 

50 

437 

26,900 

1,320 

215 

600 

35,700 

290 

20 

119 

7,320 

1,410 

20 

138 

8,480 

680 

54 

125 

7,440 

166 

89 

107 

6,580 


POWDER RIVER AT ARVADA, WYO. 


Location. —In sec. 16, T. 54 N., R. 77 W., at highway bridge at Arvada, Sheridan 
County. Nearest tributary, Wildhorse Creek, an intermittent stream, enters a 
quarter of a mile downstream. 

Drainage area. — 6,050 square miles (measured on topographic maps and base map 
of Wyoming; scale, 1:500,000). 

Records available. —May 4, 1919, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Chain fastened to downstream side of bridge. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1919-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 8.25 feet at 10 a. m. 
June 19, 1920 (discharge, 10,700 second-feet); minimum discharge, river dry dur¬ 
ing part of summers of 1919 and 1921. 

Diversions.— Prior to July 1 , 1921, adjudicated diversions of 11 second-feet from 
tributaries entering above. Below the station, no adjudications for diversions 
from Powder River in Wyoming. 

Accuracy.— Gage read once daily. Rating curves fairly well defined. Records fair. 


Monthly discharge of Powder River at Arvada , Wyo., for 1919-1921. 


May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September 8-30.. 

The period 


October.... 
November. 
March 14-31 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Month. 


1919. 


1919-20. 



Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

450 

228 

346 

1,250 

2 

197 

825 

0 

86.2 

615 

0 

80.5 

56 

0 

6.8 




500 

0 

208 

555 

190 

256 

6,680 

415 

2,030 

3,000 

280 

736 

9,000 

1,130 

2,370 

10,600 

740 

2,000 

2,480 

138 

528 

1,840 

11 

141 

332 

49 

91.2 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


21,300 

11,700 

5,300 

4,950 

312 


43,600 


12,800 

15,200 

72.500 
43,800 

146,000 

119,000 

32.500 
8,670 
5,430 














































































POWDER RIVER BASIN. 


103 


Monthly discharge of Powder River at Arvada , Wyo., for 1919-1921 —Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

1920-21. 

October. 

439 

85 

214 

13,200 

November.. 

550 

80 

286 

17'000 
6,470 

December 1-16. 

447 

40 

204 

March 14-31. 

495 

280 

378 

13,500 

25,600 


585 

312 

430 


1,480 

312 

685 

42', 100 


3,920 
2,870 

250 

1,160 

69,'000 


26 

480 

29,500 

August. 

1,480 

1 

123 

7,560 

September. 

9 

0 

2.7 

161 



POWDER RIVER NEAR ARVADA, WYO. 

Location.— Near line between Tps. 56 and 57 N., R. 76 W., at State bridge 17 miles 
north of Arvada, in Sheridan County. Nearest tributary, Clear Creek, enters 
200 yards below. 

Drainage area.— 6,580 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —July 22, 1915, to April 29, 1919. 

Gage. —Chain gage fastened on upstream guardrail of bridge since May 4,1916. Prior 
to that date gage was inclined staff 1 mile upstream at K ranch. 

Extremes of discharge. —1915-1918: Maximum stage recorded, 8.75 feet at 3.30 
p. m. July 14, 1918 (discharge, 10,800 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 
2.48 feet September 17, 1916 (discharge, 1 second-foot). 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 11 second-feet 
from tributary of Powder River, above the station, and none between it and the 
State line. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily. Rating curve not well defined because of shifting 
control during 1915 and 1916, but well defined during 1917 and 1918. Records 
fair. 


Monthly discharge of Powder River near Arvada, Wyo., or 1915-1919. 


Month. 


September 


1915. 


1916. 

October. 

November 1-17. 

May 4-31.. 

June.i. 

July. 

August 1-23. 

September 13-30. 


1916-17. 

October. 

November 1-10. 

May 1-30. 

June 8-30. 

July. 

August... 

geptember.. 

105707—23— wsp 409-8 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

5,520 

255 

1,330 

79,100 

1,020 

265 

382 

23,500 

343 

240 

286 

9,640 

1,080 

433 

671 

37,300 

5,270 

290 

812 

48,300 

6.080 

76 

488 

30,000 

4,740 

132 

488 

22,300 

34 

1 

16.8 

600 

295 

34 

140 

8,610 

192 

159 

174 

3,450 

8,780 

390 

2,340 

139,000 

3,180 

1,050 

2,080 

94,900 

975 

48 

286 

17,600 

100 

6 

30.5 

1,880 

87 

31 

48.7 

2,900 





























































104 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of Powder River near Arvada, Wyo., for 1915-1919— Continued 


Month. 


1917-18. 

October. 

November. 

March 25-31. 

April. 

May. 

June.,. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1918-19. 

October. 

November 1-18. 

March 23-31. 

April 1-29. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

159 

48 

88.8 

5,460 

192 

104 

141 

8,390 

485 

255 

319 

4,430 

850 

192 

369 

22,000 

2,920 

175 

947 

58,200 

7,160 

255 

1,480 

88,100 

10,800 

72 

1,690 

104,000 

1,240 

60 

204 

12,500 

143 

51 

93.6 

5,570 

196 

130 

151 

9,280 

228 

159 

182 

6,500 

210 

93 

167 

2,980 

485 

116 

193 

11,100 

_ 


Run-off in 


CLEAR CREEK NEAR BUFFALO, WYO. 

Location. —In see. 6, T. 50 N., R. 82 W., just above power house of Buffalo Manufac¬ 
turing Co., 4 miles west of Buffalo, Johnson County. 

Drainage area. —120 square miles (measured on topographic map').. 

Records available. —June 16, 1917, to September 30, 1921. From June 1 to Sep¬ 
tember 30, 1894, and May 2,1896, to February 28, 1900, State engineer maintained 
station at measuring flume 1 mile upstream. 

Gage. —Chain gage at left bank 300 feet above power house. Original gage was Car¬ 
penter recording gage referred to vertical staff fastened to side of flume. 

Extremes of discharge. —1896-1899,1917-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 4.2 feet 
at 6.30 a. m. June 18, 1917 (discharge, 1,120 second-feet); minimum discharge 
occurred during winter. 

Diversions. —Pipe line of power house diverts water from Clear Creek, 1$ miles up¬ 
stream. Separate record of flow through pipe line kept, and flow added to that 
at gaging station to give total flow of creek. Four Lakes and French Creek canal 
and North Fork and French Creek canal divert about 10,000 acre-feet annually 
from North Fork of Clear Creek into French Creek. 

Accuracy. —Gage heights from 1896-1899 from recording gage which was fairly 
satisfactory; no information regarding rating curve nor accuracy of records. Gage 
read twice daily 1917 to 1921. Rating curve well defined. Records excellent 
from 1917 to 1921 except during high-water periods, for which they are good, and 
during winter, for which they are fair. 

Monthly discharge of Clear Creek near Buffalo, Wyo., for 1894, 1896-1899, 1917-1919 . 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-cff in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1894. 

853 

242 

80 

80 

168 

62 

46 

46 

283 

148 

54 

55 

16,800 
9,100 
3,320 
3,270 


August. 

September. 

The period. 




32,500 





























































POWDER RIVER BASIN 


105 


Monthly discharge of Clear Creek near Buffalo, Wyo.,for 1894, 1896-1899, 1917-1919 — 

Continued. 


May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


October 1-19 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 


May 15-31. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Month. 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


1896. 


Maximum. 


Minimum. 


Mean. 


406 

504 

323 

134 

56 


64 

82 

64 

40 

40 


136 

227 

115 

66.1 

46.6 


8,360 
13,500 
7,070 
4,060 
2,770 


1896-97. 


1898. 





35,800 

47 

29 

36.2 

1,360 

632 

189 

352 

21,600 

657 

189 

280 

16,700 

246 

55 

112 

6,890 

82 

39 

54 

3,320 


1,060 

853 

303 

92 

40 


118 

. 303 
82 
17 
17 


542 

584 

184 

48.2 

27.5 


18.300 
34,800 

11.300 
2,960 
1,640 


69,000 


October... 
November 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


October. 

November. 

December_... 

The period 


June 16-30. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


October. 

N ovember.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


1898-99. 


1899. 


46 

29 

29 

22 

228 

29 

778 

169 

447 

209 

266 

33 

46 

29 


46 

33 

29 


25 

25 

25 


1917. 


1,040 

632 

162 

57 


637 

109 

44 

23 


1917-18. 


33 10 

21 4.6 


19 

4.8 

45 

8.4 

273 

37 

700 

134 

262 

66 

111 

29 

53 

24 


700 


1918-19. 


50 

31 

10 


14 

4 

3 


150 

390 

131 

57 

50 

40 


6 

32 

53 

13 

5 

6 


390 


36.5 

25.8 

99.8 
360 
305 

77.5 
37.3 


2,240 
1,540 
6,140 
21,400 
18,800 
4,770 
2,220 


36.9 
30.7 

25.9 


2,270 

1,830 

1,590 


5,690 


783 

311 

75.1 

31.9 


23,300 
19,100 
4,620 
1,900 


48,900 


17.8 

12.3 

5 

5 

• 5 
8.62 

18.4 
141 
409 
124 

53.7 

34.5 


1,100 
732 
307 
307 
278 
530 
1,090 
8,670 
24,300 
7,620 
3,300 
2,050 


69.4 


33.0 

15.6 
6.0 
3 

1 

5 

33.4 

185 

87.1 

29.7 

16.8 
23.6 


50,300 


2,030 

928 

369 

184 

56 

307 

1,990 

11,400 

5,180 

1,830 

1,030 

1,400 


36.8 


26,700 






































































































106 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Monthly discharge of Clear Creel: near Buffalo, Wyo.,for 1894, 1896-1899, 1917-1919— 

Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1919-20. 





October. 

22 

10 

14.6 

898 

N ovember. 



8 

476 

December. 



5 

307 

January. 



3 

184 

February. 



2 

115 

March. 



6 

369 

April. 

23 

3.2 

12.1 

720 

May. 

435 

30 

234 

14,400 


860 

225 

442 

26,300 

July. 

480 

77 

211 

13,000 

August. 

128 

38 

70.0 

4,300 

September. . . 

61 

25 

36.9 

2,200 

The year. 

860 


87.5 

63,300 

1920-21. 




October..,. 

26 

13 

21.5 

1,320 

November. 

37 

14 

19.6 

1,170 

December. 



8 

492 

January. 

5 

3 

4.7 

289 

February. 

5 

3 

4.0 

222 

March. 

13 

4 

7.6 

467 

April. 

41 

5 

19.4 

1,150 


502 

14 

145 

8; 920 

June. 

458 l 

93 

242 

14,400 


83 

29 

46.9 

2 ,880 

August. 

53 

16 

27.0 

l’ 660 

September. 

23 

14 

18.1 

1 ,080 

The year. 

502 

3 

47.0 

34,000 


Note—M onthly means for 1896 to 1899 revised slightly since being published originally. 


Combined monthly discharge of Clear Creek and tailrace near Buffalo , Wyo., 1917-1921. 




Discharge in second-feet. 



Month. 


Run-cfl in 


Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

June 16-30 . 

1917. 

1,050 

A4Q 


23,7C0 

19,900 

5,360 

2,580 


Q'ty 

1 01 

/yo 

August. 


174 

1Z1 

626 

September. 


RQ 

OO 

o7. 1 


. 

oy 

o1 

O 

The period. 











01, ouu 

October. 

1917-18. 

4.6 

OO 


1,850 

November. 

r>± 

1 7 

3U. 1 

December. 


1/ 

25.1 

i ^ 

1,490 

January. 



10 

1 6 

922 

P ebruary. 



10 

922 

March. 

90 


10 

833 

1,320 

April. 

OJ 

lo 

21*5 

May. 

03 

ooc 

21 

31* 0 

1,840 

June. 

^30 
71 1 

OU 

154 

9,470 


1 10 
07 A 

147 

422 

25,luO 

August. 

All 

73 

137 

8,420 

September. 

1 JbO 

41 

65. 7 

4,040 

The year. 

OO 

3b 

46. 5 

2,770 




59,000 


— - - - ■ 


ol. 4 






































































































POWDER RIVER BASIN. 107 

Combined monthly discharge of Clear Creek and tailrace near Buffalo , Wyo., 1917- 

1921 —Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1918-19. 

October. 



42.9 

23.1 

13.0 

8.0 

5.5 

9.0 

43.5 
198 

95.4 

35.7 

22.8 

29.6 

2,640 
1,370 
799 
492 
305 
553 
2,590 
12,200 
5,680 
2,200 
1,400 
1,760 

November. 



December. 



January. 



February. 



March. 



April. 









July. 



August. 



September. 



The vear. 





44.2 

32,000 

1919-20. 

October. 





19.6 
15 

11 

10 

8 

13 

16.6 
238 

446 

216 

74.5 

41.4 

1,200 
893 
676 
615 
460 
799 
988 
14,600 
26,500 
13,300 
4,580 
2,460 

November. 



December. 



January. 



February. 



March..'. 



April. 



Mav. 



June. 



July. 



August. 



September. 



The year. 





92.6 

67,100 

1920-21. 

October. 





27.5 
24.1 
12.0 

8.7 

8.0 

11.6 

23.9 
152 

252 

54.9 
34.0 
24.1 

1,690 

1,430 

738 

535 

444 

713 

1,420 

9,350 

15,000 

3,380 

2,090 

1,430 

November. 



December. 



January. 



February. 



March. 



April. 









July. 



August. 



September. 



The year. 





52.8 

38,200 





CLEAR CREEK AT BUFFALO, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 34, T. 51 N., R. 82 W., at highway bridge at Buffalo, in Johnson 
County. Nearest tributary, French Creek, enters 2 miles downstream. 

Drainage area. —130 square miles. 

Records available.— March 1, 1903, to November 30, 1904; May 8, 1911, to June 11, 
1912. 

Gage. —Vertical staff whose location was the same but whose datum was different 
in 1911-12 from that of 1903-4. 

Extremes of discharge. —1903-4, 1911-12: Maximum mean daily stage recorded, 
2.95 feet (old datum) June 17, 18, 1903 (discharge, 760 second-feet); minimum 
stage recorded, 1.05 feet (new datum) October 18, 1911 (discharge, 3 second- 
feet). 

Diversions.— A large part of the flow is diverted for irrigation above the gage. 

Accuracy.— Rating curve used 1903-4 not well defined. Rating curve used 1911-12 
fairly well defined. Records 1903-4 fair, and 1911-12 good. 



































































108 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

Monthly discharge*of Clear Creek at Buffalo , Wyo., for 1903-4 , 1911-12. 


Month. 


1903. 


March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August 

September. 


The period. 


1903-4. 


October. 

March 16-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 

October. 

November.. 


1911. 


May 8-31... 

June. 

July. 

August 

September. 


The period. 


October. 

November 1-8. 

April 5-30. 

May. 

June 1-11. 


1911-12. 



Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

80 

12 

29.9 

1,840 

62 

12 

34.7 

2,060 

265 

46 

116 

7,130 

760 

225 

422 

25,100 

285 

62 

134 

8,240 

265 

46 

72.8 

4,480 

126 

46 

76.9 

4,580 




53,400 

107 

62 

73.3 

4,510 

32 

11 

16.6 

527 

L40 

17 

52.4 

3,120 

646 

170 

377 

23,200 

706 

202 

421 

25,000 

546 

70 

174 

10, 700 

116 

14 

35.6 

2,190 

17 

11 

13.0 

774 

28 

11 

16.7 

1,030 

14 

11 

12.3 

732 

333 

55 

102 

4,860 

386 

15 

169 

10,100 

56 

5 

18.8 

1,160 

22 

9 

15.7 

965 

12 

7 

9.3 

553 




17,600 

12 

3 

8.3 

510 

15 

7 

11.6 

184 

48 

15 

24.5 

1,260 

340 

22 

116 

7,130 

430 

265 

348 

7,590 


CLEAR CREEK NEAR ARVADA, WYO. 

Location.— In sec. 36, T. 57 N., R. 77 W., at Sorenson’s ranch, 1£ miles above mouth 
of creek and 16 miles north of Arvada, in Sheridan County. No tributary between 
station and mouth of creek. 

Drainage area.— 1,110 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— July 21, 1915, to April 30, 1919. 

Gage.— Chain gage at right bank one-fourth of a mile below diversion dam at Soren¬ 
son’s ranch. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1915-1918: Maximum stage recorded, 8.4 feet at 5 p.m. 
June 10, 1918 (discharge, 2,840 second-feet); minimum discharge recorded, 1 
second-foot September 1, 4, 6-8, 10, 1916. 

Diversions— Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 428 second-feet 
from Clear Creek. 

Accuracy.— Gage read once daily. Rating curve well defined. Records good. 




























































POWDER RIVER BASIN. 


109 


Monthly discharge of Clear Creek near Arvada , Wyo., for 1915-1918. 


Month. 


1915. 

August 8-31. 

September. 

1915-16. 

October. 

November 1—17. 

April 14-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


October.. 

November 1-11 

April 16-30_ 

May.. 

June.. 

July. 

August.. 

September_ 


1916-17. 


October.... 
November.. 
March 25-31 

April.._ 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 
September. 


1917-18. 


1919. 

October. 

November 1-1S. 

April. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

362 

24 

130 

6,196 

721 

85 

274 

16,300 

242 

139 

174 

10,700 

150 

119 

135 

4; 560 

405 

199 

302 

10; 200 

882 

336 

617 

37,900 

1,380 

276 

755 

44,900 

487 

13 

103 

6! 330 

78 

2 

12.5 

769 

28 

1 

8.6 

512 

44 

16 

23.3 

1,430 

39 

34 

34.5 

753 

340 

195 

255 

7,590 

2,290 

195 

904 

55,600 

2,620 

930 

1,620 

96;400 

1,080 

42 

316 

19,400 

114 

15 

42.6 

2,620 

77 

47 

54.5 

3,240 

136 

56 

75.7 

4,650 

136 

90 

106 

6,310 

1,080 

280 

515 

7,150 

455 

155 

322 

19,200 

1,680 

360 

1,200 

73,800 

2,840 

237 

1,560 

92,800 

340 

16 

117 

7,190 

650 

55 

177 

10,900 

172 

61 

110 

6,550 

214 

100 

155 

9,530 

190 

75 

137 

4,890 

320 

24 

66.6 

3,960 


PINEY CREEK AT KEARNEY, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 26, T. 53 N., R. 83 W., at highway bridge 300 yards south of 
Kearney, Johnson County. No important tributary within several miles. 

Drainage area. —117 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1: 500,000). 

Records available. —September 6, 1902, to June 30, 1906; May 13, 1911, to July 
31, 1917; May 1, 1919, to September 30, 1921. Station maintained by State 
engineer April 1, 1913, to October 31, 1914. 

Gage. —Chain on downstream side of bridge. Gage used 1902-1906 was at same 
site but referred to different datum. 

Extremes of discharge. —1902-1906, 1911-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 4.0 
feet at 6 a. m. May 24, 1906 (discharge, 1,660 second-feet); minimum stage, 0.98 
foot at 7 p. m. August 24, 1921 (discharge, 5 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 293 second-feet from 
Piney Creek above station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily, except for period 1902-1906, when it was read 
once daily at ordinary stages and twice daily during times of greatest fluctua¬ 
tions. Rating curves well defined. Records excellent. 
















































110 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

Monthly discharge of Piney Creek at Kearney, Wyo., for 1902-1906, 1911-1917 , 1919- 

1921 . 


Month. 


1902-3. 

September 6-30. 

October 1-25. 

April 19-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1903-4. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

March 16-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1904-5. 

October. 

November. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1905-6. 

October. 

November. 

April 10-30. 

May. 

June. 


1911. 

May 13-31. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


October. 

November 1-8. 
March 27-31... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 


October... 

April. 

May. 

Juno. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


1911-12. 


1912-13. 


October... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


1913-14. 


Note.—R ecords for 1913 and 1914 revised 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

39 

20 

24.9 

1,240 

34 

18 

21.4 

1,060 

358 

61 

108 

2,570 

430 

76 

228 

14,000 

685 

297 

488 

29,000 

311 

69 

152 

9.350 

186 

36 

66.1 

4,060 

89 

38 

45.5 

2,710 

101 

54 

76.4 

4,700 

89 

48 

56.9 

3,390 

54 

41 

44.2 

2,720 

48 

38 

39.6 

1,260 

240 

43 

122 

7,260 

1,140 

240 

566 

34,800 

905 

118 

534 

31,800 

310 

38 

117 

7,190 

38 

15 

25.2 

1,550 

18 

14 

15.2 

904 

38 

14 

28.2 

1,730 

38 

21 

25.9 

1,540 

86 

29 

42.3 

2,520 

540 

60 

196 

12,100 

1,440 

244 

510 

30,300 

282 

78 

143 

8,790 

78 

24 

41.3 

2,540 

36 

28 

29.7 

1,770 

58 

24 

35.3 

2,170 

52 

41 

45.8 

2,730 

154 

43 

91.8 

3,820 

651 

60 

322 

19,800 

588 

10 

191 

11,400 

598 

84 

204 

7,690 

395 

32 

138 

8,210 

39 

17 

24.9 

1,530 

43 

9 

22 

1,350 

13 

6.8 

11.2 

'666 


44 

8 

17.5 

39 

30 

32.8 

30 

26 

29.2 

114 

30 

73.5 

840 

100 

330 

1,180 

182 

605 

290 

30 

108 

310 

30 

97.5 

74 

30 

53.1 

110 

74 

85.4 

239 

31 

98 

843 

144 

379 

447 

42 

189 

194 

17 

46.9 

68 

18 

26.7 

22 

20 

20.1 

25 

17 

18.3 

255 

32 

92.2 

1,260 

122 

523 

977 

15 

271 

68 

20 

34.8 

25 

15 

18.0 

28 

15 

16.7 


19,400 


1,080 

520 

290 

4,370 

20,300 

36,000 

6,640 

6,000 

3,160 


5,250 

5,830 

23,300 

11,200 

2,880 

1,640 

1,200 


1,130 

5,490 

32,200 

16,100 

21,400 

1,110 

994 



































































































POWDER RIVER BASIN. Ill 

Monthly discharge of Piney Creek at Kearney , Wyo., for 1902-1906, 1911-1917, 1919- 

1921 —Continued. 


Month. 


October. 

April 24-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

October. 

November. 

March 12-31.... 

April.. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

October. 

November 1-12. 

April 8-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 


May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


October.... 
November., 
if arch 14-31 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1914-15. 


1915-16. 


1916-17. 


1919. 


1920. 


1920-21. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

20 

20 

20 

1,230 

421 

91 

176 

2,440 

876 

112 

331 

20,400 

876 

208 

492 

29,300 

651 

25 

181 

11,100 

102 

16 

40.2 

2.470 

144 

25 

74.8 

4,450 

48 

25 

40.1 

2,470 

54 

25 

50.8 

3,020 

81 

36 

53.8 

2,130 

200 

45 

102 

6,070 

586 

173 

304 

18,700 

775 

200 

443 

26,400 

173 

19 

69.0 

4,240 

44 

14 

24.7 

1,520 

44 

12 

17.3 

1,030 

39 

13 

21.2 

1,300 

38 

34 

34.7 

826 

95 

44 

59.2 

2,700 

680 

44 

275 

16,900 

1,100 

332 

670 

39,900 

298 

32 

132 

8,120 

430 

39 

176 

10,800 

85 

17 

43.4 

2,580 

55 

17 

34.2 

2,100 

46 

15 

27.1 

1,670 

41 

12 

24.9 

1,480 




18,600 




57 

25 

36.3 

2,230 

634 

70 

291 

17,900 

1,070 

244 

430 

25,600 

294 

25 

110 

6,760 

63 

12 

40.9 

2,510 

44 

18 

26.9 

1,600 




60,200 

55 

22 

37.1 

2.280 

78 

30 

43.6 

2,590 

40 

25 

31.1 

1,110 

79 

35 

52.0 

3,090 

607 

36 

195 

12,000 

688 

7 

208 

12,400 

52 

7 

26.9 

1,650 

37 

7 

16.2 

996 

44 

13 

28.3 

1,680 


PINEY CREEK AT UCROSS, WYO. 

Location.— In NW. \ sec. 18, T. 53 N., R. 80 W., at highway bridge a quarter of a 
mile from Ucross, Sheridan County. 

Drainage area. —253 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— May 12, 1917, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage.—C hain attached to upstream side of bridge. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1917-1921: Maximum stage from high-water mark, 
5 feet on June 11, 1918 (discharge, 1,900 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 
1 foot at 8 p. m. July 30, 1920 (discharge, 1 second-foot). 

Diversions.— Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 61 second-feet from 
Piney Creek, between Kearney and Ucross. 

Accuracy.— Gage read twice daily. Rating curves fairly well defined. Records 

fair. 


































































112 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION, 
Monthly discharge of Finey Creek at Ucross, Wyo.,for 1917-1919, 1921. 


Month. 


1917. 

June 8-30. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1917-18. 

October 22-31. 

April 8-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1919. 

April.. 

May.. 

June.. 

J uly. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


October. 

November 1-15 

April 10-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1920-21. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

988 

406 

699 

31,900 

290 

4.6 

94.8 

5,830 

37 

5.8 

16.3 

1,000 

20 

6.4 

13.6 

809 




30.500 




' 

58 

44 

55.0 

1,090 

238 

83 

150 

6,840 

665 

160 

424 

26,100 

1,720 

87 

808 

48,100 

126 

17 

62.3 

3,830 

102 

6 

37.6 

2,310 

60 

10 

32.5 

1,930 

220 

37 

76.1 

4,530 

438 

3 

186 

11,400 

27 

1.4 

4.92 

293 

15 

1.2 

2.15 

132 

19 , 

1.5 

4.17 

256 

24 

1.2 

9. 72 

578 




17,200 

53 

18 

31.0 

1,910 

35 

25 

29.9 

890 

74 

32 

49.7 

2,070 

420 

25 

156 

9,590 

370 

8 

181 

10,800 

44 

4 

23.0 

1,410 

30 I 

3 

13.4 

824 

53 i 

5 

28.4 

1,690 


Note.— Discharge for 1920 not computed because of unsatisfactory gage-height record. 


IRRIGATION. 

PRESENT DEVELOPMENT. 

Comparatively little land is irrigated from Powder River itself, 
although large areas on both sides are suitable for farming. The 
uncertainty of flow, which in August and September frequently be¬ 
comes very small, and the great amount of silt carried during high 
water make Powder River unsuited for irrigation. As the tributary 
streams have a more reliable flow and carry little silt they are used 
much more extensively. 


Areas covered by completed ditches in Powder River basin , in acres. 


[Compiled from Fourteenth Biennial Report of State engineer.] 


Stream. 

Adjudi¬ 

cated 

(including 

territorial 

rights). 

Not 

adjudi¬ 

cated. 

Total. 

North Fork of Powder River and tributaries 

Middle Fork of Powder River and tributaries 

South Fork of Powder River and tributaries. 

Powder River. 

6,510 

9,519 

3,725 

3,215 

50,643 

59,732 

15,790 

71 
553 
1,263 
5,131 
1,260 
14,394 
2,541 

6,581 
10,072 
4,988 
8,346 
51,903 
74,126 
18,331 

Crazy Woman Creek and tributaries. 

Clear Creek and tributaries. 

Minor tributaries. 


149,134 

25,213 

174,347 



















































































POWDER RIVER BASIN. 


113 


The greater part of the 30,000 acres under completed ditches on 
Powder River and its three headwater forks comprises land near the 
stream, irrigated by individual or cooperative ditches. The only Carey 
Act project is that of the Sussex Irrigation Co., whose Sahara 
ditch diverts water from the Middle Fork just above Willow Creek and 
irrigates 5,000 acres lying north of the river in T. 43 N., Rs. 78, 79, 
and 80 W. 

Practically all of the 52,000 acres under completed ditches from 
Crazy Woman Creek, is on the headwaters. Irrigation is carried on by 
means of individual and cooperative ditches, as there are no large sys¬ 
tems. 

The waters of Clear Creek and its principal tributaries, French, 
Rock, and Piney creeks, are used extensively for irrigation. The 
area under completed ditches comprises 74,000 acres, of which 15,700 
acres is in the Prairiedog drainage basin, being irrigated by two 
canals that divert water from Piney Creek. Though practically all 
the bottom land along Clear Creek is irrigated, the greater part of the 
irrigated area lies near Buffalo and comprises considerable bench 
land. 

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT 

Little additional land in this basin can be irrigated without storage, 
for during July and August the diversions use nearly all the water. 
The Northern Wyoming Land Co. has a project to irrigate 20, 000 
acres of bench land south of Buffalo in T. 50 N., Rs. 80 and 81 W. 
Storage is contemplated in a series of small reservoirs. 

WATER POWER. 

DEVELOPED POWER. 

CLEAR CREEK. 

The hydroelectric plant of the Buffalo Manufacturing Co. is 4 
miles west of Buffalo, in sec. 6, T. 50 N., R. 82 W. A wood-stave 
pipe of 12 second-feet capacity diverts water from Clear Creek at a 
low diversion dam 1J miles upstream and carries it to the power 
house, in which there are two 60-inch Pel ton wheels each rated at 367 
horsepower under the operating head of 340 feet. Each wheel is 
direct connected to a 250-kilowatt Westinghouse 3-phase alternating- 
current generator of 2,300 volts. One wheel and generator are in 
active service, and the others are held in reserve. The current is 
carried to Buffalo by 4J miles of transmission line of No. 6 wire 
suspended from cedar poles. The pipe line furnishes the city water 
supply after passing the power house. The plant is operated 24 hours 
a day and has no auxiliary power. Additional power is furnished by 
a steam plant in Buffalo. The water supply is adequate from May 
to November. 


114 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

PINEY CREEK. 

The Kearney Cooperative Co.'s flour mill at Kearney is operated 
by water power. A canal 1,800 feet long having a capacity of 50 
second-feet diverts water from Piney Creek and carries it to a concrete 
forebay near the mill. From the forebay a 4G-inch corrugated-iron 
pipe incased in concrete leads 60 feet to a 20-inch Samson turbine 
having a rated capacity of 47 horsepower under a head of 16 feet. 
The head is to be increased to 25 feet, which will increase the power 
to 101 horsepower. The turbine is bevel geared to a horizontal shaft, 
which is belt connected to the mill machinery. The mill is operated 
12 hours a day for six months in the year. No auxiliary steam power 
is provided, as the water supply is adequate during the entire year. 

UNDEVELOPED POWER. 

No profile surveys are available for streams in the Powder River 
basin, but topographic maps cover the mountainous part, on Clear, 
Piney, and North Piney creeks, where the possible power sites are 
situated. The following tables were compiled from topographic maps: 


Elevations and distances along Clear Creek from 9,000-foot contour crossing on North 

Fork to mouth of Piney Creek. 


Point on stream. 

Distance (miles). 

Eleva¬ 

tion 

above 

sea 

level 

(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

From 

source. 

Point to 
point. 

Total. 

Per 

mile. 

Contour crossing. 

0 


9,000 



Contour crossing. 

4.8 

4.8 

1 ,500 

. 

1,500 

313 

Mouth of South Fork. 

9.1 

4.3 

6,760 

740 

172 

Center sec. 6, T. 50 N., R. 82 W. 

16.1 

7.0 

5,100 

1,660 

237 

Mouth of Rock Creek. 

23.1 

7.0 

4,500 

600 

86 

Mouth of Piney Creek. 

50.2 

27.1 

4,140 

360 

13 


Elevations and distances along Piney Creek from Cloud Peak Lake to mouth. 


Point on stream. 

Distance (miles). 

Eleva¬ 

tion 

above 

sea 

level 

(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

From 

source. 

Point to 
point. 

Total. 

Per 

mile. 

Cloud Peak Lake. 

0 


9 730 



Mouth of North Fork. 

7.2 

7.2 

8' 050 

1,680 

233 

Southwest corner sec. 28, T. 53 N., R. 84 W. 

9.2 

2.0 

7,000 

l’050 

525 

NW. \ NW. I sec. 24, T. 53 N., R. 84 W. 

13.0 

3.8 

5 ,500 

1,500 

395 

Mouth of North Piney Creek. 

16.0 

3.0 

4 ,950 

550 

183 

Kearney. 

20.2 

4.2 

4 ] 670 

280 

67 

NE. J sec. 28, T. 53 N. R. 82 W. 

26.4 

6.2 

4 ,430 

240 

39 

Center sec. 8, T. 53 N., R. 81 W. 

33.7 

7.3 

4 ,220 

210 

29 

Mouth at Ucross. 

42.1 

8.4 

4 , 160 

60 

7 






































































POWDER RIVER BASIN. 


115 


FAf rations and distances along North Piney Creek from source to mouth of South Piney 

Creek. 



Distance (miles). 

Eleva¬ 

tion 

Descent (feet). 

Point on stream. 

From 

source. 

Point to 
point. 

above 
sea level 
(feet). 

Total. 

Per mile. 

Source. 

0 


9,300 

7.500 

6.500 
5,200 



Contour crossing. 

4.8 

4.8 

1,800 

375 

SW. i sec. 9, T. 53 N., R. 84 W. 

10.1 

5.3 

1,000 

189 

SE. i sec. 11, T. 53 N., R. 84 W. 

12.9 

2.8 

1,300 

465 

Mouth of South Piney Creek (Story post office). 

16.1 

3.2 

4,950 

250 

78 




The well-known losses through underground channels in most of 
the streams that drain the eastern slope of the Big Horn Mountains 
make it impossible in the absence of run-off records to estimate accu¬ 
rately the undeveloped horsepower. 

STORAGE. 

A number of excellent large reservoir sites, three of which are partly 
utilized, have been surveyed by various organizations and described 
in Government and State reports. From these reports the following 
table has been compiled. Owing to a lack of records of discharge in 
the Big Horn Mountains, no estimate of run-off at these sites has 
been made. 


Principal features of reservoir sites in Powder River basin. 


Name. 


Kearney Lake.... 

Cloud Peak. 

Piney. 

Elk Lake. 

Lake Pe Smet- 

Red Fork. 

Northern Wyom¬ 
ing Land Co. 

Do. 


Source of supply. 

Location. 

Tribu¬ 
tary 
drain¬ 
age area. 

Height 

of 

dam. 

Crest 

length. 

Maxi¬ 

mum 

area. 

Capacity. 



Sa. miles. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Acres. 

Acre-feet. 

North Fork of 

Sec. 30, T. 52 N., 

17 

45 

600 

146 

o 3,800 

South Piney 

R. 85 W. 






Creek. 







South Fork of 

Sec. 16, T. 51 N., 

12 

34 


170 

a 6,800 

South Piney 

R. 85 W. 






Creek. 







_do. 

Secs. 13 and 24, T. 

6 31 

54 

1,050 

368 

11,000 


52 N., R. 85 W. 






Tributary* to South 

Sec. 15, T. 51 N., 

2.5 

15 

560 

198 

2,500 

Fork of South 

R. 85 W. 






Piney Creek. 







Piney and Shell 

Secs. 7, 8,17, 18, 20, 

c 36 

5 


1,740 

37,400 

creeks. 

21, T. 52 N., R. 







82 W. 






Red Fork of Pow- 

Secs. 6,7,8, T. 43 N., 


135 

525 

606 

31,800 

der River. 

R. 83 W. 






P.lpar Prpp.lr 

S.pcs. 9, 15, 16, 21, 





9,760 


' 22, T.' 50 N., R. 81 






W. 






rjn 

Sees. 10, 11, 15, 16. 





10,700 


T.50N.,R. 81 W. 






a Present capacity 2,500 acre-feet. . , _ . 

b Includes area above Cloud Peak; 19 square miles exclusive of Cloud Peak area. 
e Practically no dam. Narrow cut through ridge affords outlet. 


Kearney Lake, in the Big Horn Mountains, lies at an elevation of 
9,150 feet and is utilized as a reservoir by the Prairie Dog Water Co., 







































































116 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

which uses the stored water in its Prairiedog diversion. Its present 
capacity with a 25-foot dam is about 2,500 acre-feet. 

Cloud Peak Lake lies at an elevation of 9,730 feet and is utilized 
by the Cloud Peak Reservoir Co. The stored water is diverted to 
Rock Creek by a ditch 2J miles long. A dam 34 feet high with an 
outlet permitting a draft of 6 feet below the natural lake level would 
create a capacity of 6,800 acre-feet. The present height of dam is 
19 feet. 

The Piney site is an open valley site formed by a natural park 1-J 
miles long and 1 mile wide, in the channel of the South Fork of South 
Piney Creek, 6 miles below Cloud Peak Lake, at an elevation of 8,500 
feet. A dam 54 feet high at the outlet of the park would create a 
reservoir of 11,000 acre-feet capacity. 

Elk Lake, on a tributary of South Fork of South Piney Creek, lies 
at an elevation of 9,850 feet. 

Lake De Smet, a large lake 10 miles east of the Big Horn Moun¬ 
tains and 10 miles north of Buffalo, at an elevation of 4,530 feet, 
receives the run-off of Shell Creek but has no surface outlet. The 
lowest point of the rim surrounding the lake is 30 feet above the 
water surface. The Leiter estate is developing this lake as a reser¬ 
voir. An intake ditch of 1,000 second-feet capacity diverts water 
from Piney Creek at Kearney and carries it 3 miles to Shell Creek, 
the natural inlet to Lake De Smet. An outlet ditch diverts the water 
to Piney Creek for use in irrigating land belonging to the Leiter estate 
near Clearmont. By raising the water surface 23 feet above the out¬ 
let a capacity of 37,400 acre-feet has been obtained. 

A filing in the State engineer’s office shows a reservoir site on Red 
Fork of Powder River 12 miles west of Kaycee. All available infor¬ 
mation is given in the tabulation of reservoir sites. 

NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN, EXCLUSIVE OF THE 

LARAMIE. 

LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES. 

The area drained by North Platte River and its tributaries com¬ 
prises roughly the southeast quarter of Wyoming, a small region in 
Colorado, which includes North Park and the small area east of it 
drained by Laramie River, and a narrow wedge-shaped strip in west¬ 
ern Nebraska, above the mouth of the South Platte. 

The Colorado portion of the area is surrounded by high mountains, 
which on the south and west form part of the Continental Divide. 
On the west the mountains known as the Park Range in Colorado are 
continued in Wyoming as the Sierra Madre, which extends 25 miles 
north of the Colorado line. From the north end of the Sierra Madre 
northwestward to the Wind River Mountains, a distance of 120 miles, 
boundary lies in the high plains, which have no pro- 


NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


117 


nounced general trend, and is not well defined. The northern boun¬ 
dary, extending from the south end of the Wind River Mountains 
eastward to the mouth of the North Platte, is the Great Plains, and 
this is also poorly defined. So small is the general slope of this region 
that a slight raising of the area drained by the North Platte would 
cause its waters to flow northward instead of eastward. 

The eastern boundary of the Colorado portion of the drainage basin 
is the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. About 30 miles north 
of the Colorado line the boundary becomes the Great Plains and ex¬ 
tends at right angles to its former course. As in the plains region 
generally, the boundary is poorly defined on account of the generally 
rolling topography. 

TOPOGRAPHY. 

The topographic features range from the snow-capped peaks of the 
Continental Divide, attaining elevations of 12,000 feet, to the rolling 
plains in the eastern part, where the elevation is 4,000 feet and less. 
In the upper part of the area are the mountain ranges surrounding 
North Park and their extensions into Wyoming. East of these are 
the Laramie Mountains, and paralleling the North Platte on the south 
is another range of mountains reaching an elevation of 9,000 feet and 
more. These mountainous areas, together with the southern slope 
of the Wind River Mountains, produce the surface run-off for the 
streams. The remainder of the drainage basin comprises either inter¬ 
mountain valleys or rolling plains and isolated ranges of low hills, 
none of which contribute any reliable run-off. 

PRECIPITATION. 

In the upper portion of the drainage basin, at the summit of the 
mountains, the mean annual precipitation is as high as 30 inches; in 
the valley just north of the Colorado line it ranges from 10 to 14 inches; 
and in the central area, between the Union Pacific Railroad and 
Casper, meager records indicate a precipitation of 9 inches and less. 
East of Casper the precipitation increases gradually from 10 to 18 
inches near the Nebraska line and remains fairly uniform from that 
point to the mouth. The crest of the Laramie Mountains and the 
mountains south of Casper and Douglas receive 20 to 25 inches of 
precipitation. 

FORE STATION. 

The forests of the North Platte River basin are found at elevations 
between 8,000 and 10,500 feet—that is, in the mountainous region in 
the upper or southern part. Most of the forested areas are in the 
national forests on the headwaters of the river. 

The total area of national forests in the North Platte basin is 1,870 
square miles, of which 1,530 square miles are classed as timberland, 
woodland, and burned-over land. The commercial and protection 


118 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

stands of timber are estimated as 4,756,000 M feet b. m., or 3,110 
M feet b. m. per square mile. The predominant species are lodge- 
pole pine, Engelmann spruce, Douglas fir, and Alpine fir. 

On the Laramie Mountains, which stretch from the Colorado line 
to a point a few miles south of North Platte River, are scattering 
stands of timber. At the State line there is practically none, but 
the stand increases in density toward the north. 

PRINCIPAL STREAMS. 

NORTH PLATTE RIVER. 

North Platte River has its source in a network of clear, rapid 
streams which rise in the mountain walls of North Park. The 
two principal forks, North Fork and Roaring lork, unite in sec. 29, 
T. 9 N., R. 80 W., and from that point the North Platte flows 
across the level floor of the park, receiving several more mountain 
tributaries, the chief of which are Michigan and Canadian rivers* 
Near the Wyoming line the mountains that form the eastern and 
western boundaries of the park approach each other, leaving a narrow 
canyon through which the North Platte flows into Wyoming, chang¬ 
ing its course to northwest and flowing through a broad valley as 
far as Fort Steele. North of this point the valley narrows until it 
gives way to the canyon which the river has cut through the Seminoe 
Mountains. Below these mountains the North Platte continues its 
course to Casper, where it turns abruptly and flows east and southeast 
to its junction with the South Platte in Nebraska. Below the mouth 
of the Sweetwater the North Platte again flows in a canyon, which 
gradually gives way to a narrow valley bordered by high bluffs. 
These bluffs continue nearly to the Nebraska line, where they grad¬ 
ually recede from the river. In Nebraska the valley is 10 to 15 
miles wide and the flood plain of the river 1 to 4 miles wide. 

The river receives numerous mountains tributaries that rise in the 
Sierra Madre and Medicine Bow Range; the largest are Encampment 
and Medicine Bow rivers and Douglas, Big, French, Brush, Spring, 
and Jack creeks. Below these, in the central part of the State, the 
river is joined by one of its chief tributaries, Sweetwater River. 
From Sweetwater River to the mouth Laramie River is the only im¬ 
portant tributary, and this contributes little water to the North 
Platte, as it is used extensively for irrigation. For this reason the 
Laramie is not described in this report like the other tributaries but 
is treated separately. (See pp. 202-242.) 

2° Beekly, A. L., Geology and coal resources of North Park, Colo.: U. S. Geol. Survey Bull. 596, p. 16, 
1915 






NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


119 


DOUGLAS CREEK. 

Douglas Creek drains an area in the Medicine Bow Mountains just 
north of the Colorado line. It rises in sec. 18, T. 15 N., R. 79 W., 
at an elevation of 10,100 feet. It flows southeastward 6 miles, turns 
abruptly, follows a southerly course for 11 miles, again turns and 
flows northwestward 10 miles, joining the North Platte in the canyon 
in sec. 6, T. 13 N., R. 80 W. Throughout its course it is a typical 
mountain stream and its fall is heavy. Below Keystone it flows in a 
canyon most of the wav. The principal tributaries are Bear, Hay, 
Horse, Keystone, Little Beaver, Muddy, Lake, Beaver, and Devils 
Gate creeks. 

The entire drainage basin is within the Medicine Bow Mountains, 
occupying the central plateau region, where elevations range from 
9,000 to 10,000 feet and the topography is comparatively level. The 
lower end of the basin boundary is more rugged and slopes westward 
to the North Platte. 

On account of the high altitude most of the precipitation occurs 
as snow. 

BIG CREEK. 

The area drained by Big Creek lies in the Park Range in Colorado 
and its extension in Wyoming. Big Creek rises in Routt County, 
Colo., near the crest of the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 
11,000 feet, just west of North Park, and flows northeast. Five 
miles below its source and 9,010 feet above sea level it flows through 
two lakes, known as the Big Creek Lakes, whose combined area is 1 
square mile. Big Creek joins the North Platte 23 miles below the 
lakes. It receives a number of small tributaries, the largest of which 
are Beaver and Spring creeks. 

FRENCH CREEK. 

French Creek drains an area in the Medicine Bow Mountains, just 
north of the Douglas Creek basin. It is formed by the junction of 
North and South forks, in sec. 34, T. 15 N., R. 81 W., flows south- 
westward 4 miles, and joins the North Platte about in sec. 7, T. 14 
N., R. 81 W. The forks rise in adjacent areas in the highest part 
of the Medicine Bow Mountains. South Fork rises in a chain of lakes, 
of which Lake Marie is the largest, the elevations of these lakes exceed¬ 
ing 10,500 feet. Below Lake Marie the South Fork follows a south¬ 
westerly course for 13 miles to the forks, flowing through a narrow 
valley, which becomes almost a canyon just above the junction. 
North Fork rises in two tiny lakes at an elevation of 10,400 feet, in 
sec. 26, T. 16 N., R. 80 W., and flows southwestward to the forks 
12 miles distant. Each fork receives a number of small tributaries. 

105707—23—wsp 469-9 





120 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

The greater part of the drainage area lies in the central plateau 
region of the Medicine Bow Mountains, where elevations range from 
9,000 to 10,500 feet, except the extreme upper tip of the basin, where 
at one point the mountains rise to 12,000 feet. Along the South Fork 
and the lower part of the North Fork the streams flow in steep-sided 
valleys cut 500 to 1,000 feet below the general level of the plateau. 

The precipitation increases from 16 inches at the mouth to 30 inches 
at the extreme upper end of the basin. The average precipitation for 
the entire area is about 22 inches. 

BRUSH CREEK. 

Brush Creek drains an area lying north of the French Creek basin, 
in the Medicine Bow Mountains. It is formed by the junction of 
North and South Brush creeks, which rise near each other in the north¬ 
eastern part of T. 16 N., R. 80 W., and unite in about sec. 18, T. 16 N., 
R. 81 W. Below the junction Brush Creek flows southwestward 9 
miles and joins the North Platte near the center of T. 15 N., R. 82 
W. Both North and South Brush creeks receive a number of short 
mountain tributaries, but none enter below the junction. 

Elevations in the basin range from 11,520 feet at the extreme upper 
end to approximately 7,200 feet at the mouth. Between the two 
forks, which together form almost a complete circle above their junc¬ 
tion, the surface is dome shaped, sloping in every direction to the 
streams from the central elevation of 10,500 feet. The drainage area 
below the forks is in the broad valley of the North Platte, the topog¬ 
raphy of which is comparatively level. 

The precipitation increases from 12 inches or less in the valley to a 
maximum of 30 inches at the extreme upper end of the basin; the 
average for the area above the forks is about 22 inches. 

ENCAMPMENT RIVER. 

The area drained by Encampment River lies in the Sierra Madre, 
its upper portion being in Colorado. The river rises near the crest 
of the Continental Divide on the eastern slope of Buck Mountain, at 
an elevation of 10,500 feet, and flows northward 40 miles. It joins 
the North Platte in or near sec. 34, T. 16 N., R. 83 W., about 12 miles 
southeast of Saratoga. Its tributaries are numerous; the largest 
are East, West, and North forks and Soldier and Miner creeks. 

Although the basin is in the Sierra Madre, the topography is not 
ru gg e d, as fh e slopes are gentle and the mountain tops rounded. The 
general elevation of the basin increases gradually from 7,320 feet at 
Encampment to 10,000 feet on the divides between the tributaries. 
In its upper course the river flows through a narrow valley that be¬ 
comes narrower until a short distance above Encampment it almost 
disappears, the river flowing in a canyon. At Encampment the river 


NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


121 


debouches upon the comparatively level plain of the North Platte 
\ alley, across which it flows to its junction with the North Platte. 

Precipitation in the Encampment River basin increases from 11 
inches in the valley of the North Platte to 25 inches in the mountains. 

COW CREEK. 

The area drained by Cow Creek lies between that of Encampment 
River on the north and Spring Creek on the south. Cow Creek rises 
in the Sierra Madre on the eastern edge of T. 14 N., R. 86 W., flows 
northeastward and joins the North Platte midway between Saratoga 
and Encampment. 

SPRING CREEK. 

Spring Creek drains an area on the northeastern slope of the Sierra 
Madre west of North Platte River. It is formed by North Spring 
and South Spring creeks, which rise within a short distance of each 
other in the northern part of T. 14 N., R. 86 W., at an altitude of 
10,500 feet. Both flow northeastward and join in or near sec. 31, T. 
17 N., R. 85 W. From this junction Spring Creek flows northeast¬ 
ward 5 miles and enters the North Platte a short distance above Sara¬ 
toga. In the upper part of the basin there are a few tributaries, but 
none of importance after the creeks leave the mountains. 

The upper quarter of the drainage basin lies within the Sierra 
Madre, where the topography is comparatively regular, as the moun¬ 
tains have rounded tops and gentle slopes. Northeast of the moun¬ 
tains the creeks flow across the broad, generally level valley of the 
North Platte, where altitudes range between 7,000 and 8,000 feet. 

Precipitation in the basin increases from 12 inches at the mouth 
to 14 inches at the base of the mountains and to approximately 25 
inches at the upper end of the basin. 

JACK CREEK. 

The area drained by Jack Creek lies immediately north of the 
Spring Creek basin and is chiefly included in the broad valley of the 
North Platte, with the exception of the upper portion, which lies on 
the northern slope of the Sierra Madre. Jack Creek rises in sec. 8, 
T. 14 N., R. 86 W., at an altitude of 10,500 feet, within a mile of the 
source of North Spring Creek. It flows northwestward 8 miles, then 
northeastward 20 miles, and joins the North Platte about 6 miles 
below Saratoga. North Jack Creek, the only important tributary, 
enters about 15 miles above the mouth. 

The greater part of the area is rolling, and the creek flows in a shal¬ 
low valley. Within the mountains the topography is more rugged 
but not markedly so, as the Sierra Madre is characterized by rounded 
tops and gentle slopes. 


122 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

The precipitation over three-fourths of the basin is less than 14 
inches. It increases from about 11 inches at the mouth to about 25 
inches in the upper part of the basin. 

PASS CREEK. 

Pass Creek drains an area that lies east of North Platte River and 
south of the Union Pacific Railroad. It rises at the northern edge 
of the Medicine Bow Mountains at an elevation of 9,300 feet and 
flows northwestward for 30 miles; then turning abruptly it flows 
northward for 10 miles, and finally swings westward, entering North 
Plalte River a few miles southwest of Walcott. After leaving the 
mountains Pass Creek receives no large tributaries. 

MEDICINE BOW RIVER. 

Medicine 6ow River, one of the chief tributaries of the North Platte, 
drains an area lying east of the river and west of the Laramie River 
basin. It rises in the Medicine Bow Mountains, and its headwaters 
drain an area northwest of the Snowy Range, containing many tiny 
lakes, at an altitude of 10,000 feet. Medicine Bow River flows north 
for 25 miles, east for 15 miles, north for 20 miles, and finally northwest 
for 40 miles, joining the North Platte near the center of T. 24 N., R. 
84 W. Its chief tributaries are Rock Creek, which rises in the Medi¬ 
cine Bow Mountains and drains an area adjacent to the Medicine Bow 
on the east, and Little Medicine Bow River, which drains a plains 
area northeast of Medicine Bow River. 

With the exception of the headwater region of Medicine Bow River 
and Rock Creek, the drainage basin is wholly in the Great Plains, 
where the topography is rolling and the altitudes range between 7,000 
and 8,000 feet. The streams flow in shallow valleys with gently slop- 
in a sides. 

SWEETWATER RIVER. 

Sweetwater River, one of the chief tributaries of the North Platte, 
drains a long and comparatively narrow strip in the central part of 
the State, bounded on the north by the Rattlesnake Mountains and 
on the south by the Sweetwater Hills and Seminoe Mountains, which 
form one continuous range. The river is formed by the junction of 
its East and West forks, which rise on the southern slope of the Wind 
River Mountains at altitudes between 9,000 and 10,000 feet. The 
forks unite in the southern part of T. 29 N., R, 102 W., and from that 
point Sweetwater River follows a course toward the east, entering 
the North Platte in the Pathfinder reservoir. 

I he upper course of the river is in canyons, which continue for a 
fev miles aftei the river reaches the plains. Near the line between 


NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


123 


Ips. 28 and 29 N. the river cuts through the southeastern termination 
of the foothill region, flowing through Little Sweetwater Canyon, with 
a heavy fall. East of this canyon the Sweetwater pursues a some¬ 
what tortuous course for 20 miles, through a broad valley bordered 
on both sides by bluffs. At the lower end of the valley the river flows 
through a small canyon having vertical walls about 120 feet high. 
Beyond this canyon it enters a comparatively wide valley bordered 
on the north by the Granite Hills and finally crosses these hills near 
Split Rock post office in a narrow gorge, 80 feet wide at the base and 
400 feet deep, known as Devils Gate. Beyond this point the river 
flows through a broad valley bordered by low bluffs, until it enters 
the Pathfinder reservoir, which extends upstream to the west edge of 
T. 29 N., R. 85 W. 

In its upper course Sweetwater River has a number of mountain 
tributaries, but after reaching the plains practically no perennial 
streams enter it. 

The upper part of the drainage basin lies in the south end of the 
Wind River Mountains and the adjacent foothill region. East of the 
foothills is the Sweetwater Plateau, which has a gradual slope south¬ 
ward toward Sweetwater River. On the northern edge of the plateau 
the slopes are steeper. 

The even slope of the plateau is broken by a series of more or less 
isolated granitic hills, which parallel the river on the north for a dis¬ 
tance of 15 miles and finally cross to the opposite side at Devils Gate 
and connect with the Seminoe Mountains. The topography is very 
rugged, and the granitic hills, rising abruptly from a very gentle slope, 
resemble rocky islands projecting above the level of the sea. The 
plateau finally gives way to the Rattlesnake Hills, a low isolated nar¬ 
row mountain chain about 40 miles long, extending from Deer Creek 
near Ervay post office southward nearly to Sweetwater River. The 
highest elevation in this range is 8,200 feet. 

South of the river and beyond the foothill region is a series of prom¬ 
inent. isolated bluffs that form the western terminus of the Sweetwater 
Hills. East of these bluffs the hills present a uniform appearance, 
which gradually becomes more rugged. The general elevation of the 
hills is 7,500 feet. Creeks have cut deeply into the range, forming 
convenient low passes. At Whisky Gap, south of Split Rock post 
office, Muddy Creek cuts through the mountains. East of the gap are 
the Seminoe Mountains, which form a continuation of the Sweetwater 
Hills. From the summit of the hills a long, continuous series of 
ridges slope gently toward the river. 

The slope of much of the valley, especially north of the river and 
east of Devils Gate, is so gentle that drainage is deficient and large 
areas of alkali flats abound. In the southeast corner of the basin 


124 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

is a large area of shifting sand dunes which reach part \v ay up the 
slopes of the Seminoe Mountains. 

Over the greater part of the drainage basin the precipitation is too 
small to produce perennial surface run-off. 

MINOR STREAMS ENTERING THE PATHFINDER RESERVOIR. 

Several small streams rise in the surrounding hills and enter the 
Pathfinder reservoir, which is at the junction of North Platte and 
Sweetwater rivers. Dry and Horse creeks enter from the north, 
Canyon and Sage creeks from the east, and Deweese and Sand creeks 
from the west. The rainfall in this region is so small that most of the 
streams flow only during the spring and after the infrequent heavy 
rains. 

HORSE CREEK. 

Horse Creek drains an area in the southeast corner of the State. It 
rises in the Laramie Mountains about 10 miles east of Laramie, and 
flows east nearly to the Nebraska line, turns abruptly and flows north 
for 25 miles, then turns again and flows east, joining the North Platte 
just east of the Nebraska line. After leaving the mountains Horse 
Creek receives only one tributar}q Bear Creek, which joins it a few 
miles below Lagrange. 

As the basin lies chiefly on the Great Plains its topography is 
relatively smooth, except in the extreme western part, on the eastern 
slope of the Laramie Mountains, which is cut by numerous canyons. 
East of the mountains there are isolated mountains, notably Bear 
Creek Mountain and Sixty-six Mountain, the latter just north of 
Lagrange. 

The mean annual precipitation decreases from approximately 25 
inches at the crest of the Laramie Mountains to 14 inches near Meadow 
post office, and then gradually increases to 18 inches a few miles to 
the east. In the lower part of the basin the precipitation averages 
18 inches. 

MINOR STREAMS ENTERING THE NORTH PLATTE. 

Between the Pathfinder reservoir and the point of diversion at 
Whalen the United States Reclamation Service maintains gaging 
stations on most of the streams that enter the North Platte from the 
south. The boundary of the North Platte basin lies so close to the 
river on the north that no large tributaries enter it from that side. 

The southern tributaries rise in the northern extensions of the 
Laramie Mountains, which reach altitudes of more than 9,000 feet. 
These streams are extensively used for irrigation, and the records of 
stream flow in them represent chiefly the return seepage water. 


NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN 


125 


MEASURED DRAINAGE AREAS. 

Measured drainage areas in North Platte River basin , in square miles. 


North Platte River and tributaries. 


Stream. 

Drainage area above— 

Area. 

North Platte River. 

Do. 

—- ;—----—s--- 

Gaging station in sec. 11, T. 11 N., R. 80 W. 

Saratoga.... 

1,440 
2,880 
4,680 
7,410 
10,700 
16,300 
22,100 
30,500 
64 
70 
77 
260 
281 
244 
383 
125 
257 
589 
122 
63 
63 
193 
227 
145 
270 
229 
88 
203 
150 
105 
567 

Do. 

Medicine Bow River 

Do. 

GftPinv station in s<v» 97 T 9fi "NT T? S/1 W 

Do. 

Gaging station at outlet of Pathfinder reservoir.. 

Gaeinp station in sao 11 T 9ifi TsT "R W 

Do. 

Do. 

Nebraska line. 

Do. 

Mouth. 

Beaver Creek. 


Cow Creek. 


Cedar Creek. 


Sage Creek. 


Pass Creek. 


Bates Creek. 

Stinking Creek. 

Do. 

Mouth . 

Stinking Creek. 

.do. 

Poison Spider Creek. 


Casper Creek. 

.do. 

Muddy Creek. 


Smith Creek. 

.do. 

Deer Creek. 

.do. 

Boxelder Creek. 

.do. 

La Prele Creek. 

.do. 

Wagon Hound Creek. 

.do. 

Labonte Creek. 

.do. 

Muddy Creek. 

.do. 

Willow Creek. 

.do. 

Horseshoe Creek. 

.do. 

Cottonwood Creek. 

.do. 

Broom Creek. 

.do. 

Rawhide Creek. 

.do. 

' 

1 


Big Creek. 


Big Creek. 

Outlet of Big Creek lakes. 

11 

~ Do. 

Colorado line. 

72 

Do. 

Gaging station in sec. 32, T. 13 N., R. 81W. 

123 

Do. 

MouttT..... 

198 





Douglas Creek and tributaries. 


Douglas Creek. 

Mouth of Bear Creek. 

10 

Do. 

Sec. 16, T.14N., R.79W. 

26 

Do. 

Mouth of Muddy Creek... 

39 

Do. 

Mouth of Beaver Creek. 

80 

Do. 

Devils Gate Creek. 

135 

Do. 

Mouth. 

157 

Bear Creek.. . 

.do. 

6 

Muddy Creek . . 

.do. 

10 

B eaver C reek . . 

.do. 

42 

Devils Gate Creek .. . 

.do. 

11 





French Creek and chief tributary. 


Freneh Creek . 

Mouth of North Fork. 

23 

Do . 

Mouth. 

62 

Nnrt.Vi Rnrlr nf "RVatipVi Orfiftlc _ _ 

.do. 

24 





Brush Creek and tributaries. 


Brush Creek. 

Do. 

North Brush Creek 
South Brush Creek. 


Gaging station in sec. 8, T. 15 N., R. 80 W. 

Mouth. 

Forks. 

_do. 


98 

101 

30 

28 
























































































































































126 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Measured drainage areas in North Platte River basin, in square mites —Continued 


Encampment River and tributaries. 


Stream. 

Drainage area above— 

Area. 

Encampment River. 

Do . 


72 

34 

140 

177 

219 

271 

16 

10 

31 

Mouth of West Fork. 

Mouth of Soldier Creek. 

Mouth of North Fork. 

Gaging station at Encampment. 

Do . 

Do . 

Do . 











Spring Creek and tributaries. 


North Spring Creek . 

Gaging station in sec. 19, T. 16 N., R. 85 W. 

26 

Dn 

South Soring Creek. 

77 

T)n 

Mouth. 

154 


do. 

72 





Jack Creek and chief tributary. 



Sec. 12, T. 15 N., R. 87 W.. 

10 

Do . 

Gaging station in sec. 36, T. 17 N., R. 86 W. 

Mouth. 

32 

Do 

133 


do. 

56 





Medicine Bow River and tributaries. 


Medicine Row River . 

Gaging station in sec. 7, T. 20 N., R. 79 W . 

178 

Do 

Rock Creek. 

467 

Do 

Mouth. 

2,480 

Rock Creek . 

Gaging station at Arlington. 

70 

Do . 

Mouth. 

525 

Deep Creek . 

Gaging station in sec. 16, T. 17 N., R. 79 W. 

3.7 

T.ittle Medicine Row River 

Muddy Creek. 

761 

Do . 

Mouth. 

1,030 

Sheep Creek .. . 

.do. 

207 

Muddy Creek. 

Gaging station in sec. 14, T. 26 N., R. 80 W., near 
Shirley. 

67 

Do. 

Mouth. 

231 




Sweetwater River and tributaries. 


Sweetwater River.. 

Willow Creek... 

302 

Do. 

Sulphur Creek. 

534 

Do. 

Gaging station in sec. 17, T. 29 N., R. 86 W., near 



Alcova.n..7~? 

2,270 

Do. 

Entrance to Pathfinder reservoir 

2 320 

West Fork. 

Mouth in sec. 34, T. 29 N., R 102 W 

56 

East Fork. 

Mouth in sec. 34, T. 29 N., R. 102 W 

27 

Fish Creek. 

Mouth... 

. 32 

Willow Creek. 

.do. 


Rock Creek. 

.do. 

52 

Sulphur Creek. 

.do. 

250 

Longs Creek. 

.do. 

94 

Sage Hen Creek. 


246 

Muddy Creek. 

.do. 

135 




Minor streams entering the Pathfinder reservoir. 


Sage Creek. 

Gaging station above Pathfinder 

182 

“Do. 

Mouth. 

191 

North Fork of Sage Creek. 

.do. 

98 

Deweese Creek. 

.do. 

41 

Sand Creek. 

.do. 

70 

Dry Creek. 

.do. 


Horse Creek. 

.do. 

1 IQ 

Fish Creek. 

.do. 

42 

Canyon Creek. 

.do. 

54 

























































































































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


127 


Measured drainage areas in North Platte River basin, in square miles —Continued. 

Horse Creek and tributaries. 


0 

Stream. 

Drainage area above— 

Area. 

Horse Creek. 

Gaging station in sec. 34, T. 20 N., R. 61 W., near 
Lagrange. 

683 

1,700 

186 

550 

115 

Do. 

Mouth.... 

Bear Creek. 

Little Bear Creek 

Do. 

Mouth. 

Little Bear Creek. 

.do. 




GAGING-STATION RECORDS. 

NORTH PLATTE RIVER. 

NORTH PLATTE RIVER NEAR NORTHGATE, COLO. 

[During 1904 known as North Platte River near Pinkhampton, Colo.] 

Location.— In sec. 11, T. 11 N., R. 80 W.. at highway bridge on interstate highway 6 
miles south of Colorado-Wyoming line and 6 miles northwest of Northgate, Jackson 
County. Three small tributaries, Camp, Threemile, and Sixmile creeks, enter 
the North Platte between station and State line. These have very little flow 
except spring run-off. 

Drainage area.- —1,440 square miles (measured on base map of Colorado; scale, 
1:500.000). 

Records available.- —May 11 to November 9, 1904; May 23, 1915, to September 30, 
1921. 

Gage. —Gurley water-stage recorder installed April 8, 1918, referred to chain gage on 
downstream side of bridge and used since May 13, 1916; original gage, vertical 
staff on middle pier, referred to same datum. Gage used in 1904 referred to differ¬ 
ent datum and somewhat different location. 

Extremes of discharge. —1904, 1915-1921: Maximum stage recorded. 6.2 feet at 
4 a. m. June 17, 1921 (discharge, 6,640 second-feet); minimum discharge occurs 
during winter. 

Diversions. —There are court decrees for diversion of 98 second-feet from North Platte 
River and 3,310 second-feet from tributaries in Colorado. (For diversions out of 
basin see transmountain diversion on pp. 193-194.) 

Accuracy. —Rating curves well defined. Gage read twice daily until April 8, 1918, 
when water-stage recorder was installed. Records good except during winter, 
for which they are fair. 

Monthly discharge of North Platte River near Northgate, Colo., for 1904, 1915-1921. 


Month. 

y 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

1901. 

May 11 13 . 

2,540 

412 

1,150 

47,900 


2,350 

995 

780 

1,550 

92,200 


310 

501 

30,800 

Aiitmst . 

359 

187 

231 

14,200 

fi(>nt.fimhp.r . 

265 

100 

141 

8,390 

Oet.nhe.r . 

154 

100 

133 

8,180 

November 1-9. 

120 

100 

102 

1,820 





















































128 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharqe of North Platte River near Northgate , Colo., for 1904, 1915-1921 

Continued. 




Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 


Month. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

1915. 

Mav 98 31 



428 

7,640 


1,260 


907 

54,000 
22,600 
11,300 
9,880 


710 

148 

368 

August. . 

290 

112 

183 

September. 

284 

107 

166 





105,000 

October 

1915-16. 

326 

164 

205 

12,600 




210 

12,500 




187 

11,500 




142 

8,730 




181 

10,400 




460 

28,300 




630 

37,500 


1,980 

805 

1,200 

73,800 


1,980 

1,100 

1,450 

86,300 

July. 

1,040 

381 

662 

40,700 

August. 

898 

293 

563 

34,600 

September... 

532 

241 

307 

18,300 

The year. 

1,980 


518 

375,000 

October 

1916-17. 

462 

260 

335 

20,600 

November, . , . 


214 

12,700 

December 



184 

11,300 

January . 



172 

10,600 

February,,,. . 



168 

9,330 

Mareh .:..._.. 



208 

12,800 

April . 



872 

51,900 


4,840 

1,050 

2,390 

147,000 

June. 

4,500 

1,670 

3,190 

190,000 


3,590 

890 

1,950 

120,000 

August . 

'875 

226 

458 

28,200 

Sentember.___ 

275 

162 

204 

12,100 





The year . 


4,840 


867 

627,000 





Oetober_ 

1917-18. 



231 

14,200 

November. 



248 

14,S00 

December. 



210 

12,900 

11,300 

January. 



184 

Febmarv____ 



177 

9,830 

Mareh. ”_ 




386 

23,700 

April. 



800 

47i600 
86,700 
169,000 
43,200 

May. 

2,100 

790 

1,410 

June . 

4*700 

1,200 

2* 840 

July . 

2 500 

312 

703 

August. 

'312 

220 

130 

174 

180 

10,700 

10,700 

Sent,ember___ 

130 



The year . 


4,700 


629 

455,000 




October . 

1918-19. 



305 

18,S00 

November . 



250 

182 

156 

154 

263 

658 

804 

rm9 

14.900 
11,200 

9.590 
8,550 

16,200 
39,200 
49,400 

29.900 
8,480 
9,220 

5.590 

December. 



January . 



February . 



March . 



April . 




1,570 

1,340 

204 

315 

123 

500 

216 

99 

76 

70 

June. 


138 

150 

Q A 

August. 

SeDtember__ 




The year. 


1,570 

70 

305 

r - - 

221,000 












































































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 129 


Monthly discharge of North Platte River near Nor thy ate, Colo., for 1904, 1915-1921 — 

Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-oil' in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1919-20. 

October. 

224 

70 

154 

171 

170 
160 

171 
191 
360 

2,190 

2,750 

982 

439 

245 

9,470 
10,200 
10,500 
9,840 
9,840 
11,700 

21.400 
135,000 
164,000 

60.400 
27,000 
14,600 

November. 

December. 



January. 


. 

February. 



March. 



April. 



May. 




3,710 

1,990 

565 

325 

1,860 

544 

325 

150 


August. 

September. 

The year. 

3,710 

70 

668 

484,000 

1920-21. 

October. 

November. 

265 

180 

230 

236 

167 

183 

197 

422 

440 

1,650 

3,250 

904 

512 

254 

14.100 
14,000 

10.300 

11.300 

10.900 

25.900 
26,200 

101,000 

193,000 

55,600 

31,500 

15.100 

December. 



January. 



February. 



March.... 



April. 



May. 

2,650 

6,260 

1,190 

650 

458 

1,120 

1,300 

565 

360 

162 



August. 

September. 

The year. 

6,260 


703 

509,000 




Note.— Winter records estimated. 


NORTH PLATTE RIVER AT SARATOGA, WYO. 

Location. —At highway bridge at Saratoga, Carbon County. Nearest tributary, 
Spring Creek, enters 2 miles above. 

Drainage area. —2,880 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —June 9, 1908, to October 31, 1906; April 1, 1909, to December 
5, 1909; April 25, 1911, to September 30, 1921. State engineer maintained station 
at this point during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage. —Chain gage on upstream side of bridge. Original gage read prior to 1911 was 
vertical staff 100 yards below bridge. No determined relation between gages. 

Extremes op discharge. —1903-1906, 1909, 1911-1921: Maximum stage from high- 
water mark, 11.06 feet on June 8, 1909 (discharge, about 18,000 second-feet); 
minimum stage recorded, 3.45 feet at 8.30 a. m. October 1, 1919 (discharge, 130 
second-feet). 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 83 second-feet from the 
North Platte between Saratoga and State line. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curves well defined except for 1903-1905, 
for which they are fairly well defined. Records excellent except during 1903- 
1905, for which they are good, and during ice periods, for which they are fair. 
















































1911- 


] 30 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of North Platte River at ^Saratoga, Wyo., for 1903-1906. 1909 


June 9-30. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December.. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September_ 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Month. 


Maximum. 


1903. 


8,180 

3,040 

580 

745 


1903-4. 


715 

630 

560 

378 


835 
2,600 
8,600 
7,040 
2,670 
802 
585 


8,600 


1904-5. 


190.5-6. 


1909. 


484 

315 

268 


549 
1,780 
6,330 
10,700 
3,340 
802 
344 


10,700 


367 

450 


3,190 

9,140 

8,960 

3,520 

750 

750 


Minimum. 


4, 740 
8,500 
16,200 
11,200 
2,060 
1,870 


3,540 
560 
382 
365 


580 

435 

452 

260 


Mean. 


439 
460 
2,210 
2,710 
603 
360 
231 


305 

195 

171 


311 
485 
1,450 
3,390 
637 
215 
180 


243 

227 


855 

1,530 

2,900 

702 

355 

311 


6,220 
1,270 
446 
592 


661 

567 

524 

322 

300 

588 

1,480 

4,490 

5,390 

1,340 

499 

332 


Run-olT in 
acre-feet. 


1,370 


375 

259 

219 

200 

250 

425 

951 

3,330 

7,020 

1,400 

430 

226 


1,260 


299 

334 

275 

250 

250 

400 

1.670 
4', 740 

5.670 

2,000 

542 

499 


1,420 


450 
2,250 
7,210 
1,530 
855 
565 


1,310 
5,860 
12,900 


o, 190 


1,420 

1,010 


271,000 
78.100 
27,400 
35,200 


412,000 


40,600 
33, 700 

32.200 
19,800 
17,300 

38.200 

88,100 

276,000 
321,000 
82, 400 
30,700 
19,800 


998,000 


23.100 

15.400 
13,500 
12,300 
13,900 

26.100 
56,600 

205,000 
418, (KM) 
86,100 

26.400 
13, 500 


910,000 


.18,400 

19.900 

16.900 

15.400 

13.900 
24,600 

99.400 
291,000 
337,000 
123,000 

33,300 

29,700 


1,020,000 


78,000 
360,000 
768,000 
319,000 
87,300 
60,100 


1,670,000 


565 

525 


415 

328 


511 31,400 

400 23,800 


October... 
November 










































































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN 


131 


Monthly discharge of North Platte River at Saratoga, Wyo.,for 1900-1900, 1909, 1911- 

1921 —Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

October. 

1910-11. 



500 

30.700 
• 26,800 

18, 400 
15,400 

16.700 
24 600 

November. 



450 

December. 



300 

January. 



250 

February. 



300 

March. 



400 

April. 

2,420 


1 500 

89,300 
234,000 
320,00 0 
78,100 
18,600 
12 400 

May. 

5,040 
7,490 
2,420 

1 630 

3,810 

5 370 

June. 

1 720 


494 

1,270 

302 

209 

August. 

7 478 

200 

September__ 

346 

164 




The year. 


7,490 


1 220 

885,000 







October.... 

1911-12. 

1,320 

238 

507 

31.200 

18.200 
15,400 
13,800 

November. 

340 

178 

306 

250 

December. 

January. 



225 

February. 



250 

14 400 

March... 

675 


371 

22,800 

April. 

1,920 

593 

1,160 

69,000 
250,000 

May. 

9,500 

1,080 

4,070 

.Tune. 

12,600 

4,220 

8,350 

497,000 

July. 

7,300 

l' 700 

3,190 

196,000 

August... 

2 ,250 

' 483 

882 

54,200 

September._ 

866 

405 

606 

36,100 




The year. 


12,600 


1,680 

1,220,000 

October_ 

1912-13. 

765 

582 

684 

42 100 

N ovember. 

450 

26,800 

December. 



400 

24,600 

January. 



350 

21,500 

February. 



350 

19' 400 

March. 



500 

30,700 
160,000 

April. 

4,600 

1,430 

2,690 

Mav. 

7,550 

2,800 

4 ,140 

255' 000 

June. 

6,120 

1,090 

3 ,670 
653 

218,000 

July. 

1,340 

'354 

40,200 

August. 

530 

135 

282 

17,300 

September ____ 

360 

185 

261 

15,500 




The vear. 


7,550 


1,200 

871,000 

October.__ 

1913-14. 

626 

300 

439 

27,000 

November. 

400 

23' 800 

December. 



350 

21,500 

January. 



300 

18'400 

February. . 



300 

16', 700 
27,700 

March. 



450 

April. 

4,550 

851 

2,220 

132', 000 
384,000 


10,500 

2,270 

6,250 

June . 

12,500 

2 ,350 
744 

7,090 

422' 000 

July. 

2,530 

1.400 

86'100 

Aueust . 

1,060 

306 

484 

29' 800 
17,900 

September _____ 

411 

238 

300 





The year. 


12,500 


1,670 

1,210,000 

('efnber _ 

• 1914-15. 

755 

290 

558 

34,300 

November. 

337 

20,100 

December . 



300 

18' 400 

January . 



250 

15,400 

February . 



250 

13,900 

March . 



400 

24,600 

April . 

2,360 
3,480 

520 

1,500 

89' 300 
124,000 

May. 

1,060 

2,020 


4,640 

2,180 

3', 250 

193,000 
48,000 


1,930 

395 

281 

780 

August. 

245 

309 

19, 000 

September... . 

520 

206 

317 

18,900 






The vear 


4,640 


855 

619,000 

— 




Note.—R ecords for 1911 revised. 

























































































































132 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

Monthly discharge of North Platte River at Saratoga , TT yo.,for 1903-1906 , 1909, 1911- 

1921 —Continued. 


Month. 


1915-16. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June... 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


October... 
November. 
December. 
January... 
February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


The year 


1916-17. 


1917-18. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


October. 

November_ 

December. 

January.. 

February. 

March. 

April.. 

May.. 

June.. 

July.. 

August.. 

September_ 

The year 


1918-19. 


1919-20. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

555 

488 

419 

285 

350 

2,890 

3,750 

5,790 

5,790 

2,500 

1,080 

690 

395 

242 

238 

192 

300 

300 

470 

2,220 

2,690 

575 

356 

410 

462 
382 
328 
241 
317 
1,000 
1,500 
3,570 
4,420 
1,200 
728 
515 

28,400 
22,700 
20,200 

14.800 
18,200 
61,500 
89,300 

220,000 
263,000 

73.800 

44.800 
30,600 

5,790 

192 

1,220 

887,000 

1,120 

471 

683 

42,000 

536 

272 

389 

23,100 

362 

278 

328 

20,200 

359 

262 

302 

18,600 

317 

278 

295 

16,400 

738 

298 

378 

23,200 

4,680 

471 

2,180 

130,000 

9,650 

1,780 

5,060 

311.000 

13,800 

5,650 

10,500 

625,000 

10,700 

2,200 

4,950 

304,000 

2,030 

536 

949 

58,400 

536 

393 

474 

28,200 

13,800 

262 

2,210 

1,600,000 

471 

317 

420 

25,800 

609 

317 

458 

27,300 

504 

298 

376 

23,100 



323 

19,900 



311 

17', 300 

i,700 

317 

772 

47; 500 

2,120 

609 

1,290 

76,800 

5,900 

1, ISO 

4,180 

257,000 

11,200 

3,340 

7,650 

455,000 

5,160 

609 

1,560 

95,900 

609 

262 

423 

26,000 

504 

262 

362 

21,500 

11,200 

. 

1,510 

1,090,000 

860 

450 

599 

36, 800 

670 

255 

472 

28,100 

450 

215 

318 

19,600 

275 

215 

265 

16,300 

295 

215 

261 

14, 500 

1,930 

275 

496 

30, 500 

2,940 

590 

1,570 

93,400 

6,150 

2,110 

3,560 

219,000 

4,450 

555 

1,910 

114,000 

576 

154 

272 

16,700 

396 

139 

223 

13, 700 

223 

145 

163 

9,700 

6,150 

139 

845 

612,000 

326 

151 

272 

16,700 

380 

160 

290 

oqq 

17,300 
17 7nn 

304 

227 

271 

16,700 

365 

175 

290 

16,700 

450 

2S7 

341 

21,000 

1,440 

340 

720 

42,800 

11,300 

1,760 

6,850 

421,000 

11,300 

5,000 

8,360 

497', 000 

5,000 

810 

1,890 

116,000 

915 

420 

637 

39,200 

485 

295 

393 

23.400 

11,300 

151 

1,740 

1,250,000 
















































































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 133 

Monthly discharge of North Platte River at Saratoga, Wyo.,for 1903-1906, 1909, 1911- 

1921 —Contin ned. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1920-21. 

October. 

520 

555 

295 

255 

417 
429 
283 
322 
345 
879 
956 
4,910 
10,200 
2,250 
969 
470 

25.600 
25,500 
17,400 
19,800 
19,200 
54,000 
56,900 

302,000 
607,000 
138,000 

59.600 
28,000 

November. 

December. 

January. 



February. 



March. 

1,840 

1,220 

11.900 

14.900 
3,560 
1,520 

770 

450 

555 

970 

3,560 

1,300 

625 

300 




August. 

September. 

The year. 

14,900 


1,870 

1,350,000 




NORTH PLATTE RIVER ABOVE PATHFINDER, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 27, T. 26 N., R. 84 W., 900 feet below mouth of Lost Creek and 
three-quarters of a mile below mouth of Black Canyon, in Carbon County. Back¬ 
water from Pathfinder reservoir reaches within 2b miles of station. 

Drainage area. —7,410 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —October 7, 1913, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Friez water-stage register at right bank 900 feet below Lost Creek. 

Extremes of discharge. —1914-1921: Maximum stage during period, 6.2 feet 
at 2 p. m. June 26, 1917 (discharge, 18,800 second-feet); minimum stage, 0.38 foot 
at midnight August 30, 1919 (discharge, 134 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 94 second-feet from 
North Platte River between Saratoga and the station above Pathfinder. 

Accuracy. —Gage heights from continuous record. Rating curves well defined below 
12,000 second-feet. Records excellent, except during winter, for which they 
are fair. 

Monthly discharge of North Platte River above Pathfinder, Wyo.,for 1913-1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

1913-14. 

October . 


519 

623 

38.300 

35.300 
28,000 
24,000 
21,700 

49.200 
158,000 
421,000 
500,000 

92.200 
45,600 
22,400 

No vp, m bar. 

693 

418 

593 

Deepm her . 

455 

Jarmarv . 



390 

Fp.hrnarv . . 



390 

Mn.mh. 

1,240 

4,530 

13,000 

15,900 

2,220 

1.650 


800 

April .. . . 

1,310 

2,740 

2,440 

2,660 

6,840 

8,410 

1,500 



Julv . 

998 

Auerust. 

392 

742 

September. 

'519 

262 

377 



The vear .. 

15,900 


1,990 

1,440,000 




Note.— Records for May and June, 1914, revised. 

































































134 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

Monthly discharge of North Platte River above Pathfinder, Wyo.Jor 1913-1921— Contd 


Month. 


1914-15. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March.1. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1915-16. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1916-17. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


October. 

November_ 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

Juiie. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


1917-18. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


1918-19. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


Minimum. 


881 

665 


740 

2,670 

3.700 
6,020 I 
2,340 

1.700 
1,520 ! 


6,020 


820 

693 

622 


4,110 
6,060 
6,230 
2,560 
1,600 
954 


6,230 


1,250 

864 


9,800 

12,700 

18,300 

15,600 

2.400 

800 


18,300 


606 

614 


2,580 

2,840 

6,730 

15,000 

3.420 

831 

639 


15,000 


1,050 

750 


3,930 

7,870 

7,400 

750 

831 

269 


7,870 


348 

205 


740 

1,590 

2,690 

466 

344 

275 


501 

265 


Mean. 


694 

431 

390 

325 

325 

465 

2,020 

2,580 

3,980 

1,070 

669 

691 


1,140 


1,080 

2,620 

2,600 

770 

438 

431 


550 


1,320 

2,690 

8,360 

2,420 

770 

495 


342 

388 


1.290 

1.560 

4.070 

908 

275 

275 


543 

292 


1,130 

2.800 

820 

183 

136 

144 


598 

485 

470 

315 

415 

1,250 

2,010 

4,030 

4,800 

1,400 

962 

609 


1,450 


883 

435 

400 

390 

380 

800 

5,110 

6,850 

14,100 

6,800 

1.240 

626 


3,160 


467 

523 

450 

420 

400 

1,150 

1,810 

4,710 

10,000 

1,850 

473 

435 


1,890 


698 

531 

415 

345 

340 

635 

2,290 

4,430 

2,650 

375 

324 

179 


1,100 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


42,700 

25.600 
24,000 
20,000 
18,000 

28.600 
120,000 
159,000 
237,000 

65,800 
41,100 
41,100 


823,000 


36,800 

28,900 

28.900 
19,400 

23.900 

76.900 
120,000 
248,000 
286,000 

86,100 

59.200 

36.200 


1,050,000 


54,300 
25.900 
24,600 
24,000 
21,100 

49.200 
304.000 
421,000 
839,000 
418,000 

76.200 

37.200 


2,290,000 


28.700 

31.100 

27.700 
25,800 
22.200 

70.700 
108.000 
290,000 
595,000 
114,000 

29.100 
25,900 


1,370.000 


42.900 
31,600 
25,500 
21,200 

18.900 
39,000 

136,000 

272,200 

158,000 

23,100 

19.900 
10.700 


799.000 

























































































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 135 

Monthly discharge of North Platte River above Pathfinder, Wyo., for 1913-1921 —Contd. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1919-20. 

October. 

473 

614 

224 

215 

366 

443 

375 

350 

380 

755 

1,720 

8,630 

11,000 

2,580 

851 

509 

22.500 

26.400 
23,100 

21.500 
21,900 

46.400 
102,000 
531,000 
655,000 
159,000 

52.300 

30.300 

November. 

December. 

January. 



February. 



March. 



April. 

4,770 
13,800 
14,400 
6,520 
1,060 
754 

589 

1,410 

6,520 

1,120 

621 

348 




August. 

September . 

The vear. 

14,400 


2,330 

1,690,000 

1920-21. 

October. 

November. 

December. 


700 

880 

445 

450 

549 

635 

435 

420 

450 

1,120 

1,260 

6,000 

12,500 

2,520 

1,130 

480 

33.800 

37.800 
26,700 

25.800 
25,000 
68,900 
75,000 

369,000 

744.000 

155,000 

69,500 

28,600 

January.-. 



February. 



March..'. 



April. 

1,620 

13,300 

17,500 

4,380 

1,960 

678 

820 

1,400 

4,830 

1,560 

696 

310 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 

17,500 


2,290 

1,660,000 




Note—W inter records estimated. 


NORTH PLATTE RIVER AT PATHFINDER, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 24, T. 29 N., R. 84 W., a quarter of a mile below Pathfinder dam 
and one-third of a mile below old post office of Pathfinder, in Natrona County. 
Nearest tributary, Canyon Creek, enters in the reservoir 2 miles above. 

Drainage area. —10,700 square miles. 

Records available. —April 1, 1904, to September 30, 1921. From April 1, 1904, 
to May 9, 1905, records were taken at Alcova, where flow is practically the same 
as at Pathfinder. 

Gage. —Chain at left bank a quarter of a mile below Pathfinder dam. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 448 second-feet from 
tributaries entering the North Platte between the station above Pathfinder and 
t his station. Near Whalen, 150 miles below, the water from Pathfinder reser¬ 
voir is diverted by the Interstate canal and used to irrigate land in Nebraska 
and Wyoming. 

Regulation. —Prior to 1909 records represent natural flow of river, but since June, 
1909, water has been stored in Pathfinder reservoir (capacity, 1,070,000 acre- 
feet) and released as needed. It is carried down the river 150 miles to Whalen, 
where it is diverted for irrigation. 

Cooperation. —Records furnished by United Slates Reclamation Service. 


105707—23— wsp 469-10 


























































136 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of North Platte River at Pathfinder , Wyo.Jor 1904-1921 


Month. 


1904. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1904-5. 

October. 

November 1-19. 

April. 

May.. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1905-6. 

October. 

November 1-28.. 

April. 

May.. 

June.. 

July. 

August.. 

September.. 


October. 

November 1-17 

March.. 

April.. 

May.. 

June.. 

July.. 

August.. 

September_ 


1906-7. 


1907-8. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January...... 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 

The year.. 


1908-9. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

■--— 

2,960 

747 

1,730 

103,000 

11,400 

3,210 

5,900 

363,000 

8,400 

3,480 

6,760 

402,000 

3,520 

695 

1,810 

111,000 

816 

440 

582 

35,800 

1,300 

210 

389 

23,200 




1,040,000 

647 

361 

482 

29,600 

465 

110 

307 

11,600 

2,670 

795 

1,400 

83,300 

8,010 

2,020 

4,270 

263,000 

12,800 

4,500 

8,800 

524,000 

4,050 

953 

1,800 

111.000 

1,110 

218 

597 

36,700 

444 

168 

249 

14,800 

469 

260 

349 

21,500 

556 

245 

413 

22,900 

4,820 

1,790 

3,030 

180,000 

12', 000 

2,350 

6,180 

380,000 

11,000 

3,180 

7,390 

440,000 

3,250 

913 

2,260 

139,000 

933 

434 

666 

41,000 

1,020 

397 

664 

39,500 

1,050 

305 

575 

35,400 

1,020 

685 

873 

29,400 

7,240 

685 

1,890 

116,000 

4, ,500 

1,380 

2,440 

145,000 

10,800 

2,000 

5,070 

312,000 

12,100 

6,840 

10,300 

613,000 

9,920 

2,850 

6,010 

370,000 

2,550 

836 

1,380 

84,800 

868 

346 

587 

34,900 

786 

557 

669 

41,100 

628 

283 

440 

26,200 

454 

157 

315 

19,400 



292 

18,000 



348 

20', 000 

11,000 

469 

759 

46; 700 

2,660 

774 

1,620 

96,400 

4,190 

1,500 

2,370 

146.000 

6,250 

1,630 

4,590 

273,000 

3,700 

836 

2,030 

125,000 

2,200 

774 

1,210 

74,400 

744 

397 

544 

32,400 

6,250 


1,270 

919,000 

836 

494 

645 

39.700 

868 

313 

536 

31,900 



400 

24 600 



400 

24 600 

505 

395 

462 

25,700 

1,490 

505 

938 

57,700 

1,790 

1,310 

1,480 

88,100 

7,130 

1,840 

5,920 

364,000 

8,560 

7,240 

8,010 

477,000 

8,670 

8,230 

8,480 

521,000 

8,120 

2,590 

6,390 

393,000 

5,840 

2,590 

3,100 

184,000 

8,670 

1 .. 


3,060 
.= 

2,230,000 

1— = 







































































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 137 

Monthly discharge of North Platte River at Pathfinder , Wyo., for 1904-1921 —Contd. 


Month. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

' The year 


1909-10. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

FebruaVy. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September_ 

The year 


1910-11. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

FebruaVy. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year 


1911-12. 


1912-13. 


1913-14. 

October. 

November. 

December.;... 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Run-off in 


Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

5,640 

498 

2,670 

164,000 

970 

370 

697 

41,500 

742 

427 

522 

32,100 

448 

350 

423 

26,000 

433 

330 

367 

20,400 

2,520 

388 

1,760 

108,000 

2,580 

525 

1,130 

67,200 

1,000 

790 

885 

54,400 

3,330 

1,520 

2,400 

143,000 

2,420 

1,920 

2,100 

129,000 

2,030 

1,870 

1,940 

119,000 

2,030 

460 

1,750 

104,000 

5,640 

330 

1,390 

1,010,000 

1,520 

185 

476 

29,300 

615 

260 

428 

25,500 

1,340 

276 

399 

24,500 

760 

259 

430 

26,400 

915 

300 

626 

34,800 

3,940 

438 

1,090 

66,800 

2,430 

661 

1,770 

105,000 

2,500 

661 

1,480 

91,100 

4,640 

615 

3,170 

188,000 

3,890 

3,070 

3,330 

205,000 

3.070 

2,140 

2,760 

170,000 

2,880 

438 

2,220 

132,000 

4,640 

185 

1,520 

1,100,000 

1,520 

188 

809 

49,700 

661 

237 

534 

31,800 

417 

243 

339 

20,800 

665 

187 

301- 

18,500 

785 

2 

89 

5,120 

25 

3 

4 

246 

150 

5 

10 

595 

1,610 

5 

442 

27,200 

4,220 

2,030 

3,710 

221,000 

6.800 

3,250 

5,800 

357,000 

6,750 

6,140 

6,470 

398,000 

6,090 

5,310 

5,720 

340,000 

6,800 

2 

2,030 

1,470,000 

7,240 

4,140 

5,310 

326,000 

5,270 

459 

1,680 

100,000 

626 

313 

474 

29,100 

396 

310 

339 

20,800 

340 

2 

80.8 

4,490 

3 

3 

3.0 

184 

1,810 

3 

99.3 

5,910 

3,040 

950 

2,050 

126,000 

3,820 

2,860 

3,400 

202,000 

3,520 

2,700 

3,040 

187,000 

3,070 

2,340 

2,830 

174,000 

3,140 

760 

2,270 

135,000 

7,240 

2 

1,810 

1,310,000 

760 

4 

303 

18,600 

5 

4 

4.8 

286 

5 

5 

5 

307 

5 

5 

5 

307 

5 

5 

5 

278 

5 

5 

5 

307 

5 

5 

5 

298 

4,180 

5 

2,740 

168,000 

5,150 

3,680 

4,380 

261,000 

5,620 

3,650 

4,610 

283,000 

5,520 

4,250 

4,880 

300,000 

5,380 

4,250 

4,700 

280,000 

5,620 

4 

1,810 

1,310,000 




































































































138 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of North Platte River at Pathfinder, Wyo., for 1904-1921—P ontd 


Mon tli. 


1914-15. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1915-16. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1916-17. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January... 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June.. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1917-18. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


October.. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.. 

September_ 

The year 


1918-19. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

_ Run-off in 


Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

4,560 

985 

1,880 

116,000 

980 

5 

136 

8,090 

5 

5 

5 

307 

5 

5 

5 

307 

10 

10 

10 

555 

10 

10 

10 

615 

1,970 

10 

698 

41,500 

2 ,500 

5 

1,020 

62,700 

4,020 

1,880 

2,830 

168,000 

5,020 

3,500 

4,220 

259,000 

3,520 

2,000 

3,050 

188,000 

2,050 

5 

1,680 

100,000 

5,020 

5 

1,300 

945,000 

90 

5 

7.7 

474 

5 

5 

5 

298 

5 

5 

5 

307 

10 

10 

10 

615 

10 

10 

10 

575 

150 

10 

14.5 

892 

1,000 

10 

165 

9,820 

4; 560 

1,000 

3,380 

208,000 

5,640 

3,330 

4,610 

274,000 

5,720 

3,910 

5,000 

307,000 

4; 860 

2,060 

3, 870 

238.000 

2,970 

750 

1,950 

116,000 

5,720 

5 

1,590 

1,160,000 

1,290 

5 

5 

21,500 

5 

5 

5 

298 

5 

5 

5 

307 

5 

5 

5 

307 

5 

5 

5 

278 

5 

5 

5 

307 

1,020 

5 

230 

13,700 

4,120 

10 

1,340 

82,400 

18,900 

5,350 

13,500 

803,000 

17,400 

4,540 

9,040 

556,000 

5,730 

4,060 

4,500 

277,000 

5,140 

2,140 

4,010 

239,000 

18,900 

5 

2,750 

1,990,000 

2,140 

5 

758 

46,600 

5 

5 

5 

_ 298 

5 

5 

5 

307 

5 

5 

5 

307 

5 

5 

5 

278 

510 

5 

32 

1,970 

2,470 

10 

1,100 

65,500 

4,920 

800 

4,510 

277,000 

11,500 

4,880 

6,750 

402,000 

6,110 

4,160 

5,090 

313,000 

4,640 

2,820 

3,840 

236,000 

3,330 

1,500 

2; 610 

155,000 

11,500 

5 

2,070 

1,500,000 

1,500 

25 

541 

33,300 

25 

25 

25.0 

1,490 

25 

15 

19.5 

1,200 

15 

15 

15.0 

922 

15 

15 

15.0 

833 

15 

15 

15.0 

922 

1,080 

15 

82.7 

4,920 

6,120 

1,480 

2,990 

184,000 

5,760 

4,500 

5,220 

311,000 

4,580 

3,5S0 

3,960 

243,000 

4,000 

2,900 

3,450 

212,000 

3,160 

1,500 

2 ,070 

123,000 

5,760 

15 

1,540 

1,120,000 














































































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 139 

Monthly discharge of North Platte River at Pathfinder , Wyo., for 1904-1921— Contd. 


Month. 


October.. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 

October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The-year 


1919-20. 


1920-21. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

2,000 

15 

1,420 

87,300 

15 

15 

15.0 

893 

15 

15 

15.0 

922 

15 

15 

15.0 

922 

15 

15 

15.0 

863 

15 

15 

15.0 

922 

15 

15 

15.0 

893 

5,410 

15 

684 

42,100 

12,300 

5,450 

8,960 

533,000 

6,540 

4,210 

5,340 

328,000 

4,250 

3,610 

3,970 

244,000 

3,610 

490 

2,260 

134,000 

12,300 

15 

1,890 

1,370,000 

1,500 

15 

965 

59,300 

15 

15 

15 

893 

15 

15 

15 

922 

140 

15 

83.4 

5,130 

120 

120 

120 

6,660 

165 

100 

113 

6,950 

3,200 

20 

1,460 

86,900 

2,270 

2,000 

2,230 

137,000 

16,800 

1,840 

11,800 

702,000 

6,040 

5,290 

5,570 

342,000 

5,470 

3,290 

4,340 

267,000 

3,960 

20 

2,970 

177,000 

16,800 

15 

2,480 

1,790,000 


NORTH PLATTE RIVER NEAR CASPER, WYO. 

Location.— In sec. 31, T. 32 N., R. 81 W., at highway bridge at Speas ranch, half a 
mile below Bessemer Canyon, in Natrona County. Nearest tributary, Bates 
Creek, enters 3 miles upstream. 

Drainage area.— Not measured. 

Records available.— April 9, 1917, to September 30, 1919. 

Gage.— Vertical staff. 

Channel and control.— Channel apparently permanent; control below bridge. 
Cooperation.— Complete records furnished by United States Reclamation Service. 


Monthly discharge of North Platte River near Casper , Wyo., for 1917-1919. 



Month. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 



Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

Anril 9-30 _ 

1917. 


1,300 

375 

704 

30,700 
99,000 

May. 

4,210 

500 

1,610 


19,200 

17,300 

5,380 

4,310 

13,700 

815'000 

July. 

9', 200 

566,000 
271,000 

August. 

5,430 

3,920 

2,390 

4; 400 

fipntp.mhpr__ 

4,870 

3,910 

233' 000 






The period 






2 ,010,000 







Anril_ 

1918. 


2,670 

5,190 

310 

1,160 

69,000 

282,000 

400,000 


620 

4; 580 


10,800 

4,340 

4,960 

2,860 

1,300 

6,730 

5,560 

July. 

6,760 

342,000 

August. 

6,330 

4,030 

2,560 

248,000 

152,000 

fipntp.mhp.r_ .. 

3,430 




The period. 






1,490,000 







Mav_ 

1919. 

• 

4,830 

5,530 

970 

2,550 

157,000 
300,000 
235,000 
203,000 


4,190 

5,040 


4,710 

3,860 

3,240 

3,820 
3,300 

August. 

2 , 800 

Sen t ern her .. 

2,870 

1,440 

2:000 

119,000 





* 


The period . 






1 ,010,000 
























































































140 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


NORTH PLATTE RIVER AT DOUGLAS, WYO. 

Location.— In sec. 9, T. 32 N., R. 71 W., at highway bridge in Douglas, Converse 
County. Nearest tributary, La Prele Creek, enters 10 miles upstream. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available. —May 1, 1891, to September 30, 1894; April 1 to September 30, 
1919. 

Gage. —Vertical staff. During 1919 gage located at highway bridge 1\ miles below 
Douglas. 

Extremes of discharge. —1891-1894, 1919: Maximum mean daily discharge, 15,700 
second-feet on June 16, 1893; minimum discharge occurs during winter. 
Accuracy. —Facts regarding the method of obtaining the older data are not available. 
No statement regarding accuracy. 

Cooperation. —Records for 1919 furnished by United States Reclamation Service. 
Monthly discharge of North Platte River at Douglas, Wyo.,for 1891-1894, 1919. 


May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


Month. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


1891. 


Maximum. 


Minimum. 


Mean. 


8,600 

10,100 

5,270 

1,070 

790 


5,040 

5,710 

960 

765 

640 


7,210 

7,670 

2,580 

879 

72-4 


1 , 


443,000 
456,000 
159,000 
54,000 
43,100 


160,000 


October... 
November 
June 20-30. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


October 1-20 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 


October 1-20 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


1891-92. 


790 

710 

725 

920 

665 

823 

14,800 

9,820 

12,400 

10,400 

1,480 

4,920 

1,340 

790 

967 

815 

640 

702 


1892-93. 


665 

15,700 

6,600 

1,000 

815 


620 

6,600 

1,000 

815 

665 


643 

10,600 

2,690 

880 

733 


1893-94. 


1919. 


815 

11,700 

13,200 

4,380 

1,000 

850 


690 

4,600 

4,380 

1,000 

790 

765 


756 

8,660 

8,670 

2,620 

880 

792 


1,110 

280 

481 

4,230 

1,200 

2,710 

5,040 

3,700 

4,650 

4,080 

3,320 

3,810 

4,230 

3,180 

3,650 

3,180 

1,490 

2,290 


44,600 

49,000 

271,000 

303,000 

59,500 

41,800 


25,200 
631,000 
165,000 
54,100 
43,700 


30,000 

532,000 

516,000 

161,000 

54.100 

47.100 


28,600 

167,000 

277,000 

234,000 

224,000 

136,000 


1,070,000 























































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN 


141 


NORTH PLATTE RIVER AT ORIN JUNCTION, WYO. 

Location. In sec. 13, T. 31 N., R. 70 W., at railroad bridge at Orin Junction. Near¬ 
est tributary, LaBonte Creek, enters 8 miles upstream.. 

Drainage area.— 14,800 square miles. 

Records available.— January 1, 1895, to November 30, 1899. 

Gage. —Vertical staff fastened to center pier of railroad bridge; read by P. J. Burns. 
Extremes of discharge. —1895-1899: Maximum mean daily gage height recorded, 
7.15 feet June 24, 1899 (discharge, 23,000 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 
0.90 foot September 11-14, 1899 (discharge, 170 second-feet). 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily. Rating curves fairly well defined. Records fair. 

Monthly discharge of North Platte River at Orin Junction , Wyo., for 1895-1899. 


Month. 

* 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1895. 





£P ril . 

8,940 

1,040 

3,360 

200,000 


9,240 

4,650 

6,320 

389,000 

June. 

11,000 

4,240 

6,730 

400,000 


4,400 

1,380 

2,350 

144;000 

August. 

1,990 

647 

1,050 

64,600 

September. 

695 

425 

549 

32,700 

The period. 




1,230,000 

1895-96. 




October. 

695 

608 

658 

40,500 

November 1-18. 

695 

608 

673 

24,000 

April 13-30. 

6,150 

1,990 

3,220 

115,000 


9,150 

2,660 

5,130 

315,000 

June. 

12,300 

1,630 

5,090 

303,000 


1,840 

950 

1,330 

81 800 

August. 

1,460 

775 

1,010 

62,100 

September. 

1,110 

850 

978 

58,200 

1896-97. 





October. 

1,080 

950 

973 

59,800 

April. 

13,000 

1,410 

5,040 

300,000 


19,200 

9,520 

13,900 

855,000 


18,200 

3,400 

8,990 

535 ;000 


3,200 

950 

1,830 

113,000 

August. 

1,900 

650 

1,020 

62,700 

September. 

650 

500 

574 

34,200 

1898. 





April. 

3,900 

700 

1,860 

111,000 

May. 

15,600 

2,550 

5,550 

341,000 


7,880 

3,900 

6; 060 

36i;000 


3,510 

700 

1,280 

78,700 

Aujhist. 

825 

430 

583 

35,800 

September. 

550 

370 

399 

23,700 

The period. 




951,000 

1898-99. 




October. 

675 

575 

612 

37,600 

November. 

725 

650 

685 

40,800 

April 7-30. 

13,400 

1,830 

7,640 

364,000 


17,100 

3,110 

10,500 

646,000 


23,000 

13,700 

17,700 

1,050,000 

July.... . 

17,800 

2,400 

9,230 

568,000 

August. 

2,400 

240 

1,150 

70,700 

September. 

720 

170 

334 

19,900 

1899. 





October. 

895 

205 

493 

30,300 

November. 

680 

415 

492 

29,300 
































































142 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


NORTH PLATTE RIVER AT McKINLEY, WYO. 

Location. —About in sec. 21, T. 31 N., R. 69 W., at highway bridge at McKinley, in 
Converse County. Nearest tributary, Elkhorn Creek, enters several miles below. 
Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available.— April 1, 1917, to September 30, 1918. 

Gage.— Vertical staff. 

Cooperation.— Complete records furnished by United States Reclamation Service. 


Monthly discharge of North Platte River at McKinley , Wyo., for 1917-18. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1917. 

April. 

2,810 
6,880 
20,300 
19,200 
5,540 
4,820 

1,290 

2,040 

7,200 

5,010 

4,050 

3,350 

1,860 

3,980 

14,400 

9,970 

4,530 

4,150 

111,000 

245,000 

857,000 

613,000 

279,000 

247,000 

May. 


July. 

August. 

September... 

The period. 




2,350,000 

1918. 

April. 

May.. 

August. 




5,720 

7,320 

10,600 

6,780 

6,240 

3,460 

800 
5,370 
5,550 
5,300 
3,230 
1,400 

2,250 

6,550 

7,010 

5,900 

4,000 

2,600 

134,000 

403,000 

417,000 

363,000 

246,000 

155,000 

September. 

The period. 




1,720,000 






NORTH PLATTE RIVER AT GUERNSEY, WYO. 

Location.— In sec. 35, T. 27 N., R. 66 W., at highway bridge three-quarters of a mile 
west of Guernsey, Platte County, 6 miles above Whalen diversion dam of United 
States Reclamation Service. No important tributary between the two points. 
From 1902 to 1903 the gage was at railroad bridge 300 feet upstream. 

Drainage area. —16,200 square miles. 

Records available.—J une 14, 1900, to November 17, 1908; March 30 to October 31 
1912. 

Gage.— Vertical staff gage was originally at highway bridge, but in 1902 it was moved 
to railroad bridge 300 feet upstream and placed 1.0 foot lower in the water; on 
.Tune 13, 1908, the datum was lowered 1.0 foot. When the station was reestab¬ 
lished in 1912, the gage was located at the highway bridge 0.24 foot lower than that 
of the original gage. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1900-1908, 1912: Maximum stage from high-water marks, 
11.5 feet (old datum) June 2 or 3,1908 (discharge estimated at 30,000 second-feet); 
minimum stage recorded, 1.0 foot September 28-30, 1901 (discharge, 80 second- 
feet). 

Diversions.— Only a few minor diversions for irrigation are between this station and 
that at Whalen. 

Accuracy.— Gage read twice daily. Rating curves fairly well defined below 14,000 
second-feet. Records good below 14,000 second-feet; fair above. 







































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN 


143 


Monthly discharge of North Platte River at Guernsey , Wyo.,for 1900-1908 , 1912. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-oil in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

June 14-30 . 

1900. 

9 790 

3,950 

1,060 

310 

280 

6,400 

1 800 

216,000 
111,000 
29,600 
8,630 


3,590 

August. 

' 780 

'482 

290 

September 1-15. .. 

310 



The period.. . . 





365,000 






April . 

1901. 

10,400 

682 

2,060 
8,590 
9,160 
1,900 
706 

123,000 

528,000 

545,000 

117,000 

43,400 

18,800 

May. 

13,200 
13,900 

5,930 


5,400 

1,070 

420 

July. 

5^ 530 
1.070 
'420 

August . 

September _ _ ........ 

80 

316 



The period.... 





1.380,000 






April. .. 

1902. 

3,780 
8,160 
7,900 

740 

1,880 

112,000 

341,000 

May. 

3,280 

2,780 

780 

5,'550 
6,130 
1,300 

June. 

365,000 
79,900 

July. 

2 , 340 

August. 

'625 

220 

400 

24,600 

11,700 

September _ 

430 

175 

196 




The period.... 




2,580 

436 

934,000 

26,800 
30,700 

October _ 

1902-3. 

490 

430 

November. 

555 

490 

516 

December 1-15. 

537 

16,000 

February. 

1,010 

795 

898 

49,900 

March. .*. 

2,380 

4,360 

6,910 

11,600 

1,010 

1,460 

89,800 

161,000 

287,000 

April. 

1,500 

3,300 

3,920 

2! 710 

May. 

4,670 

8,490 

2,630 


505,000 

162,000 

39,000 

July. 

6,440 

1,120 

August.:. 

1,120 
1,010 

1,120 

435 

'635 

Rentem her __ 

333 

666 

39,600 

October 

1903-4. 

795 

982 

60,400 

November 1-23 . . 

'795 

600 

750 

34,200 

Mfl.reh . . . 

2,080 

940 

1,190 

73,200 

April... . 

2,790 

940 

1,710 

102,000 


11,300 

2,460 

6,080 

374,000 

June . 

11,600 

5,700 

9,320 

555,000 

July . 

5,060 

940 

2,800 

172,000 

August . . 

940 

585 

715 

44,000 

Rentem hpr .. 

940 

320 

488 

29,000 







October 

1904-5. 

2,150 

355 

652 

40,100 

November . 

630 

355 

503 

29,900 

TJe.ce.mber 1 10 . 

630 

404 

498 

9,880 

A pril . 

5,620 

1,090 

2,540 

151,000 


11,000 

4,300 

6,740 

414,000 


13,900 

6,900 

10,600 

631,000 


10; 700 

1,520 

3,290 

202,000 

A n trn st. .. 

2,270 

501. 

1,040 

64,000 

Rentem ber . . 

552 

295 

382 

22,700 

Optohpr 

1905-6. 

515 

295 

435 

26,700 


675 

515 

559 

33,300 

A r\rll 

# 

6,840 

2,340 

4,140 

246,000 


11,400 

3,960 

6,580 

405,000 


11,700 

5,410 

8,990 

535,000 


5,060 

1,510 

3,510 

216,000 


2,010 

630 

1,350 

83,000 


1,220 

440 

672 

40,000 


1906-7. 

960 

530 

629 

38,700 


1,820 

530 

1,270 

75,600 


8,250 

1,020 

2,720 

146,000 


6,030 

2,750 

3,650 

217,000 


13,000 

2,640 

6,430 

395,000 


15,600 

11,600 

13,300 

791,000 


11,600 

3,500 

7,510 

462,000 


3,700 

1,080 

1,850 

114 j000 



1,080 

800 

994 

59,100 






















































































144 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of North Platte River at Guernsey, Wyo.,for 1900-1908,1912 (. ontd. 


Month. 


1907-8. 

October. 

November 1-16. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1908. 

October. 

November 1-17. 


1912. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 

October. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1,080 

850 

981 

60,300 

1,400 

850 

1,100 

34,900 

1,390 

730 

1,090 

67,000 

4,060 

980 

1,960 

117,000 

17,000 

2,440 

4,690 

288,000 

30,000 

3,650 

10,500 

625,000 

3,650 

1,110 

2,240 

138,000 

1,530 

840 

1,150 

70,700 

940 

500 

584 

34,S00 

740 

500 

614 

37,800 

740 

540 

669 

22,600 

3,840 

1,340 

1,910 

114,000 

5,030 

1,540 

3,170 

195,000 

4,840 

2,520 

4,050 

241,000 

8,000 

3,840 

5,650 

347,000 

7,040 

6,100 

6,520 

401,000 

6,960 

5,700 

6,090 

362,000 




1,660,000 

6,680 

4,770 

5,690 

'350^000 


NORTH PLATTE RIVER ABOVE AND BELOW WHALEN, WYO. 


Location. —In sec. 11, T. 26 N., R. 65 W., at diversion dam at Whalen, Goshen 
County. Nearest important tributary is Cottonwood Canyon Creek, an inter¬ 
mittent stream which enters 1£ miles below. 

Drainage area.— 16,300 square miles. 

Records available.— May 1, 1909, to September 30, 1921. The records above Wha¬ 
len represent the discharge above the dam, which is an overfall weir, and those 
below Whalen, the water passing over the weir—the difference representing the 
amount diverted by the Interstate and Fort Laramie canals. 

Gage.— To determine the flow over the weir a vertical staff is used, its zero being at 
the weir crest. The discharge is then computed by a weir formula. There are 
also four sluice gates in the dam, through which the discharge is computed. In 
the river, 75 feet downstream from the crest gage, is a second gage, with zero 10 
feet below that of the weir gage. The second gage is only used in computing the 
discharge through the gates when the openings are submerged. The discharge 
through the headgates of the canals is computed from the gate openings. A 
vertical staff located in the canals below the headgates is used in computing 
the discharge when the headgate openings are submerged. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1909-1921: Maximum mean daily discharge of 21,000 
second-feet occurred on June 28 and 29,1917; minimum mean daily discharge of 30 
second-feet occurred February 29, 1919. 

Diversions.— Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions from North Platte River 
of 432 second-feet between Pathfinder and Whalen, exclusive of the diversion by 
the United States Reclamation Service. Between Whalen and the State line, 
adjudicated diversions of 429 second-feet. 

Regulation.— The discharge represents chiefly the effect of Pathfinder reservoir, 
which stores water for use in the Interstate and Fort Laramie canals. 

Cooperation.— Records furnished by United States Reclamation Service. 










































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN 


145 


Monthly discharge of North Platte River above Whalen , Wyo.,for 1909-1921. 


Month. 


1909. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


October.. 

November_ 

December.. 

January.. 

February. 

March..'.. 

April. 

May. 

June.. 

July.. 

August.. 

September. 

The year 


1909-10. 


1910-11. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1911-12. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May... 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1912-13. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March.. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Run-oft' in 


Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

11,600 

2,590 

~ 6,620 

407,000 

20,200 

8,000 

10,900 

649,000 

8,200 

7,180 

7,700 

473,000 

7,970 

3,250 

6,280 

386,000 

3,270 

2,730 

3,010 

179,000 




2 090 000 





5,560 

1,130 

3,450 

212,000 

1,320 

458 

1,000 

59,500 

1,220 

125 

763 

46,900 

850 

590 

653 

40,200 

669 

531 

616 

34,200 

3,110 

740 

2,170 

133,000 

3,190 

1,520 

2,210 

132,000 

1,410 

1,040 

1,210 

74,400 

2,610 

970 

2,020 

120,000 

2,590 

1,630 

2,020 

124,000 

1,900 

1,660 

1,750 

108,000 

1,960 

1,530 

1,690 

101,000 

5,560 

125 

1,630 

1,190,000 

1,860 

418 

836 

51,400 

765 

418 

665 

39,600 

906 

234 

411 

25,200 

1,300 

160 

617 

37;900 

1,920 

157 

839 

46,600 

3,480 

601 

1,250 

76,900 

2,740 

771 

1,700 

101,000 

2,870 

1,260 

1,910 

117,000 

5,870 

1,630 

3,220 

192,000 

3,680 

1,770 

3,250 

200,000 

3,240 

2,180 

2,750 

169,000 

2,920 

1,960 

2,250 

134,000 

5,870 

157 

1,640 

1,190,000 

2,000 

781 

1,060 

65,200 

1,090 

230 

647 

38,500 

648 

239 

471 

29,000 

601 

291 

383 

23,600 

689 

204 

411 

23,600 

2,760 

132 

410 

25,200 

4,050 

942 

1,520 

90,400 

5,500 

1,460 

2,990 

184,000 

5,090 

1,870 

3,680 

219,000 

8,440 

3,450 

5,250 

323,000 

6,970 

5,540 

6,200 

381,000 

7,060 

5,450 

5,740 

342,000 

7,060 

132 

2,400 

1,740,000 

6,890 

4,600 

5,630 

346,000 

6,130 

939 

2,610 

155,000 

1,020 

269 

675 

41,500 

863 

332 

632 

38,900 

570 

370 

446 

24,800 

900 

350 

540 

33,200 

2,290 

943 

1,520 

90,400 

3,160 

1,290 

2,230 

137,000 

3,720 

2,340 

3,270 

195,000 

3,550 

2,320 

2,950 

181,000 

2,990 

2,100 

2,660 

164,000 

3,160 

1,340 

2,350 

140,000 

6,890 

269 

2,130 

1,550,000 





















































































r 


146 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of North Platte River above Whalen, Wyo.Jor 1909-1921 —Contd 


Month. 


1913-14. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1914-15. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July... 

August.. 

September. 

The year. 


1915-16. 

October.. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


October... 
November. 
December. 
January... 
February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


The year 


1916-17. 


October.. 

November_ 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.. 

September_ 

The year 


1917-18. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-ofT in 
acre-feet.. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

- 

1,080 

308 

275 

230 

270 

565 

2,270 

4,810 

4,520 

5,060 

5,280 

5,120 

301 

165 

175 

190 

160 

255 

370 

1,850 

3,670 

3,620 

4,200 

4,240 

676 

255 

208 

214 

204 

416 

1,150 

3,700 

4,140 

4,360 

4,650 

4,620 

41.600 

15.200 
12,800 

13.200 
11,3*00 

25.600 
68,400 

228,000 
246,000 
268,000 
286,000 
275,000 

5,280 

160 

2,060 

1,490,000 

4,580 

1,320 

2,490 

153,000 

1,340 

277 

684 

40,700 

185 

65 

116 

7,130 

107 

93 

99.1 

6,090 

210 

86 

128 

7,110 

428 

140 

258 

15,900 

3,400 

360 

1,280 

76,200 

3; 550 

1,020 

2,140 

132,000 

6,730 

892 

3,650 

217,000 

4,750 

3,440 

4,160 

256,000 

4,730 

2,650 

3,340 

205,000 

6,410 

1,820 

2,990 

178,000 

6,730 

65 

1,790 

1,290,000 

2,560 

497 

792 

48,700 

545 

150 

412 

24,500 

565 

61 

268 

16,500 

209 

99 

141 

8,670 

756 

98 

304 

17,500 

884 

150 

453 

27,900 

1,780 

658 

1,180 

70,200 

5,140 

1,910 

3,670 

226,000 

- 5,130 

3,690 

4,320 

257,000 

5,580 

4,240 

4,800 

295,000 

4,720 

3,240 

3,990 

245,000 

2,840 

1,670 

2,080 

124,000 

5,580 

61 

1,870 

1,360,000 

2,060 

280 

1,000 

61,500 

405 

80 

226 

13,400 

290 

140 

195 

12,000 

190 

140 

171 

10,500 

450 

160 

217 

12,100 

1,580 

500 

679 

41,800 

3,030 

400 

1,370 

81,500 

7,760 

2,160 

4,610 

283,000 

21,000 

8,800 

15,400 

916,000 

19,700 

•4,810 

9,900 

609,000 

5,540 

4,160 

4,560 

280,000 

5,460 

2,900 

4,270 

254,000 

21,000 

80 

3,560 

2,570,000 

3,460 

571 

1,730 

106,000 

661 

340 

454 

27,000 

402 

122 

240 

14,800 

348 

100 

166 

10,200 

170 

100 

140 

7,780 

480 

120 

302 

18,600 

3,620 

493 

1,780 

106,0C0 

8,120 

3,230 

6,480 

398,000 

11,800 

5,540 

7,480 

445,000 

7,000 

5,590 

6,250 

384,000 

5,640 

3,760 

4,800 

295,000 

4,370 

2,040 

3,570 

212,000 

11,800 

100 

2,800 

1 - 

2 ,020,000 
















































































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 147 


Monthly discharge of North Platte River above Whalen, Wyo., for 1909-1921— Contd. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

October. 

1918-19. 

2,090 

500 

350 

300 

370 

200 

1,150 

4.730 

6.730 
5,800 
4,630 
3,130 

500 

350 

200 

200 

200 

175 

175 

936 

4,060 

3 500 

1,080 

403 

253 

223 

291 

192 

473 

2,670 

5,130 

4 000 

66,400 
94 . non 

November. 

December. 

15,600 
13,700 
16,200 
11,800 
28,100 
164,000 
305,000 
246,000 
220,000 
121,000 

J anuary. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

2,950 

1,340 

3,580 

2,040 

Sent ember. 



The year. 


6 730 

175 

1,700 

1,230,000 


1919-20. 


October. 

2,010 

960 

40 

75 

85 

30 

50 

165 

1,900 

6,690 

4,360 

3,580 

1 310 

1,500 

230 

99.5 

128 

145 

612 

915 

5,430 

8,750 

5,810 
4,230 
2,890 

92,200 
13,709 
6,120 
7,870 
8,340 
37,600 
54,400 
334,000 
521,000 
357,000 

November. 

1 010 

December. 

170 

January. 

200 

F ebruary. 

225 

1 960 

March...’. 

April. 

1,980 

May. 

11,200 


11,200 

7,330 

4,660 


August. 

260,000 

September__ 

4 , 100 

172,000 






The year. 


11,200 

30 

2,570 

1,860,000 


1920-21. 




October.. 

2,250 

261 

1,710 

105,000 

November. 

'522 

79 

274 

16,300 

December. 

312 

60 

185 

11,400 

January. 

325 

176 

239 

14' 700 

F ebruary. 

1,700 

206 

486 

27' 000 

March.... 

' 455 

275 

391 

24'000 

April. 

3,720 

188 

1,480 

88.100 

May. 

6'030 

2,850 

3,060 

3'410 

2 io;ooo 

666,000 

June. 

17'500 

ll'200 

July. 

O'950 

5 , 260 

5,710 

351'000 

August. 

5 , 330 

3,360 

4 , 360 

268' 000 

September_ 

3'600 

2,430 

2,920 

174,000 






The vear_ 


17,500 j 

i 

60 

2,700 

1,960,000 




Note.—Q uantities changed slightly to conform to rules of computation of U. S. Geol. Survey. 


Monthly discharge of North Platte River below Whalen, Wyo., for 1909-1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-olf in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

1909. 

11, 200 

2,480 

6,290 

387, 000 


19,900 
7,810 

7,190 

10,600 

631,000 

Julv . . 

6,010 

6,740 

414, 000 

Aiienst. . 

6, 790 

2,100 

5,130 

315, 000 

September. 

2,230 

i; 740 

2,040 

121, 000 

The. period . 




1, 870, 000 





1909-10. 

Oetoher . 

5,480 

1,130 

3,320 

204, 400 

N ft vp.m V>p,r .. 

1,320 

458 

1,000 

59, 500 

December . 

1, 220 

125 

763 

46,900 

.Tnrmarv . 

850 

590 

653 

40,200 
34, 200 

P'phnifl.rv _ . 

669 

531 

616 

M f\reh . 

3,110 

740 

2,170 

133, 000 

April . 

2,770 

1,050 

2,020 

120, 000 


945 

307 

618 

38,000 


1,970 

256 

1,020 

60,700 


2; 170 

598 

1,020 

62,700 

Amnist. . 

700 

460 

560 

34, 400 

September. 

835 

330 

510 

30, 300 

The year. 

5,480 

125 

1,190 

864, 000 






























































































































148 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of North Platte River below Whalen, Wyo., for 1909-1921— Contd. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-oif in 

Maximum. 

Minimu m. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

1910-11. 

October . 

1,860 

0 

743 

45, 700 

November. 

765 

418 

665 

39, 600 

December. 

906 

234 

411 

25,300 

January. 

1,300 

160 

617 

37,900 

February. 

1,920 

157 

839 

46,600 

March. 

3,480 

422 

1, 220 

75, 000 

April. 

1, 890 

310 

800 

47, 600 


2,470 

550 

1,200 

73,800 


4, 580 

952 

2,040 

121, 000 
145, 000 
93, 500 


3, 5S0 

1,600 

2,360 

August. 

2,480 

952 

1, 520 

September. 

2,370 

780 

1,230 

73, 200 

The year. 

4,580 

0 

1,140 

824, 000 

1911-12. 

October. 

1 , 800 

684 

1, 010 

62,100 

November. 

1,090 

230 

647 

38, 500 

December. 

648 

239 

471 

29, 000 

January. 

601 

291 

383 

23, 600 

February. 

689 

204 

411 

23, 600 

March. 

2, 760 

132 

410 

25, 200 
90, 400 

April . 

4,050 

942 

1,520 


4, 980 

715 

2,510 

154, 000 


3,780 

655 

2,430 

145,000 

July. 

7,210 

2,140 

4,150 

255, 000 

August. 

6,600 

4, 750 

5,720 

352, 000 

September. 

6,290 

4,600 

5,120 

305, 000 

The year. 

6, 600 

132 

2,070 

1, 500, 000 

1912-13. 

October. 

6,890 

4, 600 

5,630 

346, 000 

November. 

6,130 

939 

2,610 

155, 000 

December. 

1,020 

269 

675 

41, 500 

January. 

863 

332 

632 

38, 900 

February. 

570 

370 

446 

2-4, 800 

March. 

900 

350 

540 

33, 200 

April. 

2 , 060 

680 

1,520 

90, 400 


2, 710 

590 

1, 640 

101 , 000 


2,460 

1 , 330 

2,140 

127,000 


3, 340 

1, 050 

R940 

119,000 

August. 

1,960 

985 

1, 540 

94, 700 

September . 

2,500 

430 

1, 450 

86,300 


The vear.. 

6, 890 

?69 

1,730 

1, 260. 000 




October. 

November. 

December. 

1913-14. 

1,080 

308 

275 

230 

270 

565 

2, 270 

3, 720 
3,120 
3, 670 
3,900 
3,790 

301 

165 

175 

190 

160 

255 

370 

1,040 

2,290 

2 900 

676 

255 

208 

214 

204 

416 

1,150 

9 990 

41, 600 
15,200 
19 enn 

January. 

13 900 

February. 

11 Snn 

March. 

9^ Ann 

April. 

Aft Ann 


lftn nnn 

June. 

9 7 ZC\ 

i ra nnn 


9 

181,000 
199, 000 
206, 000 

August.. 

9 7ftO 

2 Oid 

September.. 

3 040 

2 A7n 





The year. 


3,900 

160 

1 KA(\ 

1,120, 000 



JLj 

October. 

1914-15. 

4 580 

i Son 

o /ton 


November. 

1,340 
185 
107 
210 
428 
3,100 
3,110 

6 100 

277 

65 

93 

eft 


loo, OOO 
40, 700 
7,130 
6,090 
7,110 
15,900 

December. 

Do^ 

1 1 A 

January. 

HO 
no i 

February. 

1 90 

March. 

'1 A(\ 

JLZo 

9co 

April. 

362 

^90 

Zoo 

1 i Qn 


if loU 
1,610 
2,730 
2,860 
2,180 
2,220 

6/, 200 
99,000 
162,000 
176,000 
134, 000 
132, 000 


*j£\j 

409 


4 250 

9 iqo 

August. 

3,410 
.5 790 

1, 560 

Q90 

September. 





The vear. 


6 100 

ftp; 

1,380 

1, 000, 000 



oo 


















































































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 149 

Monthly discharge of North Platte River below Whalen, Wyo., for 1909-1921 —Contd. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

October. 

1915-16. 

2,560 

545 

565 

209 

75S 

884 

1,690 

4,100 

4,010 

4,610 

3,180 

1,630 

4Q7 

7Q9 

48 700 

November. 


1 l7 A- 

41 9 

94 5nn 

December. 

61 

qq 

268 

141 

16 600 

January. 

8 670 

February. 

98 

1 50 

304 

453 

1 non 

16 900 

March. 

27, 900 
64, 900 
159, 000 
181, 000 
218, 000 
155,000 
56,500 

April. 



1,200 

2, 410 
2, 960 
1,890 
530 

9 580 

June. 

3, 040 
3,540 
2,520 

950 

July. 

August. 

September.. 



The year. 


4,610 

61 

1,340 

978, 0C0 



October. 

1916-17. 

1,610 

405 

290 

190 

450 

0 

80 

140 

140 

160 

500 

400 

1,410 

7,940 

3,210 

2,530 

1,960 

884 

226 

195 

171 

217 

679 

1,220 

3,750 

14,400 

8,330 

2,950 

2,880 

54.400 

13.400 
12,000 
10,500 
12 100 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

1,580 
2,490 
6,900 
19,500 
18,200 
3,850 
4,070 

41,' 800 
72,600 
231,000 
857,000 
512,000 
181,000 
171,000 

April. 


June. 

July. 

August. 

September__ 



The year. 


19,500 

0 

3,000 

2,170,000 





October.. 

1917-18. 

2 720 

571 

1,399 

454 

85,500 

November. 

'661 

340 

27,000 

December. 

420 

122 

240 

14,800 

January. 

348 

100 

166 

10,200 

February. 

170 

100 

140 

7,780 

March. 

480 

120 

302 

18' 600 

April. 

2,810 
7,230 
10,000 

175 

1,280 

76,200 

May. 

2,220 

5,380 

33l' 000 

June. 

3 ' 890 

5,860 

349' 000 

July. 

5,000 

3 ' 800 

4,290 

264' 000 

August. 

3,750 

i'930 

2,990 

184'000 

September____ 

3,030 

1,340 

2,'310 

137,000 







The year. 


10,000 

100 

2,080 

1,510,000 






October.. 

1918-19. 

1,440 

300 

641 

39,400 

N ovember. 

500 

350 

403 

24,000 

15,600 

December. 

350 

200 

253 

January. 

300 

200 

223 

13' 700 

February. 

370 

200 

291 

16' 200 

March... 

200 

175 

192 

11,800 

April. 

1,150 

175 

420 

25,000 

May. 

2 ,940 

545 

1,590 

97' 800 

June. 

4 ,800 

2,180 

3,210 

191,000 

July. 

3'910 

1 ,520 

2,020 

124,000 

August. 

2 ,740 

1,070 

1 690 

104,000 

Sentember__ 

1,330 

320 

698 

41,500 





The year. 


4,800 

175 

973 

704,000 





October_ 

1919-20. 

1,440 

425 

604 

37,100 

November. 

1,010 

35 

205 

12,200 

December . 

150 

55 

79.5 

4 ,890 

January. 

180 

65 

108 

6,640 

February. 

205 

20 

125 

7,190 

March. . 

1,940 

35 

592 

36,400 

April . 

1,960 

145 

895 

53,300 


11,200 

1,880 

5,140 

316,000 


10,800 

5 ,560 

7,330 

436,000 


5l 740 

2,370 

1,790 

3^900 

240,000 

August . 

2,880 

2,430 

149,000 

Sp/ntpmhpr_ __ 

2,460 

615 

1,550 

92,200 





The vear 


11,200 

20 

1,920 

1,390,000 






































































































150 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

Monthly discharge of North Platte River below Whalen , If yo., for 1909-1921 ( ontd. 



Month. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 



Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

Ootnhor 

1920-21. 


1,370 

231 

951 

58, .500 

Nnvfimhpr ..... 

492 

79 

245 

14,600 

December ... 

282 

50 

156 

9,590 

January._. 

295 

146 

209 

12,900 

February... 

1,670 

176 

457 

25,400 

March. 

425 

245 

361 

22,200 

April . 

2,740 

133 

1,090 

64,900 


4,950 

1,770 

2,330 

143,000 


17;400 

2,230 

10,500 

625,000 

July. 

5,870 

3,750 

1,950 

3,290 

3,690 

227,000 

August. . 

1,450 

2,520 

155,000 

Sprtftmhftr ____ 

835 

1,380 

82,100 







The vaar 



17,400 

50 

1,990 

1,440,000 






DOUGLAS CREEK. 

DOUGLAS CREEK NEAR KEYSTONE, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 16, T. 14 N., R. 79 W., 900 feet above highway bridge and 1 mile 
above old mining camp of Keystone, in Albany County, 600 feet below proposed 
diversion dam site of Bell Supply canal No. 2. Nearest tributary, Keystone 
Creek, enters three-fourths of a mile below. 

Drainage area.— 28 square miles (measured on topographic map). 

Records available. —July 25 to October 12, 1912; June 18, 1914, to November 12, 
1916. 

Gage. —Bristol water-stage recorder, on left bank 900 feet above highway bridge on 
road from Keystone to Holmes. Gage was originally located 60 feet farther down¬ 
stream, but a new gage was installed at present location May 23, 1915. Although 
referred to same datum the gage-height readings are now higher, owing to the 
slope of the creek. 

Extremes of discharge. —1912, 1914-1916: Maximum stage recorded, 4.19 feet 
June 1, 1914 (discharge approximately 650 second-feet); minimum discharge 
occurs during winter when records are discontinued. 

Diversions. —No diversion above station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once every two days dining 1912, and once daily from June 
18, 1914, to May 23, 1915, after which gage heights were obtained from continuous 
record. Rating curve poorly defined in 1912, after which time it was fairly well 
defined below 250 second-feet. Records are good except for 1912, when they 
range from poor to fair. 


Monthly discharge of Douglas Creek near Keystone , Wyo., for 1912, 1914-1916. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1912. 

July 25-31. 

43 

31 

27 

24 

7 

7 

— 

31.0 

14.9 

13.1 

430 

916 

780 

August. 

September. 

The period. 




2,130 

267 

October 1-12. 

13 

9 

11.2 

■ — 































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


151 


Monthly discharge of Douglas Creek near Keystone , Wyo., for 1912, 1914-1916 —Contd. 


Month. 


June 18-30. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


1914. 


October.. 

November 1-20 

April 20-30_ 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1914-15. 


1915-16. 

October. 

November 1-13. 

April 23-30. 

May. 

June. 

July.. 

August. 

September. 

October. 

November 1-12. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-ofT in 




acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 


202 

51 

112 

2,890 

84 

14 

28.0 

1,720 

19 

8 

12.0 

738 

17 

5 

7.4 

440 




n 7on 

16 

6 

10.2 

627 

5 


3.63 

144 

21 

10 

13.7 

299 

198 

2 

63.5 

3,900 

240 

48 

118 

7,020 

32 

6 

14.9 

916 

10 

3 

4.58 

282 

12 

3 

5.70 

339 

14 

4.2 

7.35 

452 

11 

2.7 

5.04 

130 

24 

4.2 

13.3 

211 

231 

22 

121 

7,440 

241 

33 

148 

8,810 

32 

9.5 

17.5 

1,080 

20 

7 

11.7 

719 

14 

3.8 

7.32 

436 

14 

1.0 

7.23 

445 

6.2 

3.4 

5.01 

119 


BIG CREEK. 


BIG CREEK NEAR BIG CREEK, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 32, T. 13 N., R. 81 W., at Big Creek ranger station 2 miles west 
of Big Creek post office. Carbon County. No important tributary within several 
miles. 

Drainage area. —123 square miles (measured on base maps of Wyoming and Colorado ; 
scale, 1:500,000). 

Records available. —May 2, 1913, to September 30, 1921. State engineer main¬ 
tained station during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage. —Stevens eight-day recording gage installed May 13, 1918, and referred to ver¬ 
tical staff on left bank 50 feet from ranger station. Prior to April 29, 1915, staff 
gage was placed 1 foot farther out in stream and gave reading slightly different, 
although referred to same datum. 

Extremes of discharge.' —1913-1921: Maximum discharge, 1,300 second-feet on 
June 23, 1917, from comparison of discharge of Encampment River at Encamp¬ 
ment; minimum discharge probably occurs during winter. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, no adjudicated diversions from Big Creek above 
station in Wyoming, but below adjudicated diversions amounted to 100 second- 
feet. In Colorado, the Independence ditch diverts approximately 80 second- 
feet from Big Lake to the North Platte drainage basin, usually from June 10 to 
July 10 each year. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily during 1913-14. During 1915-1917 gage was 
usually read twice daily, blit there were many days when it was read only once. 
From 1918 to 1921 gage heights from water-stage recorder, the operation of which 
was frequently interrupted owing to absence of observer. Rating curves well 
defined. Records good except during 1921, for which they are fair. 


105707—23— wsp 469-11 















































152 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THETR UTILIZATION 


Monthly discharge of Big 


Month. 


1913. 

May 2-31.. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1914. 

April 6-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1914-15.’ 

October. 

April 15-30. 

May. 

Juiie. 

July... 

August. 

September. 


October.. 

November 1-10. 

April. 

May. 

Juiie.. 

July. 

August,. 

September. 

October. 

November 1-7. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


May 13-31. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


October... 
April 16-30 

May. 

June.. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


October... 
May 9-31.. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


October 1-5. 
March 14-31 

April.. 

May. 

June.. 

July.. 

August. 

September.. 


1915-16. 


1916-17. 


1917-18. 


1918-19. 


1919-20. 


1920-21. 


Creek near Big Creek , Wyo.. for 1913-1921. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

695 

14 

294 

17,500 

650 

120 

268 

15,900 

145 

34 

72.8 

4,480 

34 

25 

26.4 

1,620 

25 

20 

22.8 

1,360 




40,900 

240 

34 

99.8 

4,950 

695 

75 

345 

21,200 

875 

175 

490 

29,200 

240 

75 

115 

•7,070 

95 

34 

52.1 

3,200 

43 

34 

34.6 

2,060 




67,700 

55 

34 

41.6 

2,560 

113 

44 

57.1 

1,810 

184 

42 

100 

6,150 

330 

96 

201 

12,000 

197 

45 

74.0 

4,550 

67 

20 

38.8 

2,390 

74 

11 

32.0 

1,900 

45 

20 

36.1 

2,220 

32 

18 

23.7 

470 

234 

41 

100 

5,950 

411 

150 

269 

16,500 

578 

167 

446 

26,500- 

332 

78 

167 

10,300 

111 

41 

64.1 

3,940 

44 

20 

32.0 

1,900 

60 

33 

45.5 

2,800 

34 

30 

31.7 

440 

545 

48 

257 

15,800 

1,300 

400 

781 

46,500- 

985 

171 

476 

29,300 

164 

50 

87.8 

5,400 



40 

2,380 




427 

147 

332 

12,500 

1,060 

242 

643 

38,300 

226 

63 

122 

7,500 

60 

30 

40.4 

2,480 

50 

23 

33.3 

1,980 




62,800- 

61 

24 

34.9 

2,150 

175 

26 

91.1 

2,710 

431 

88 

221 

13,600 

295 

86 

165 

9,820- 

120 

20 

49.3 

3,030 

135 

17 

38.0 

2,340 

36 

11 

20.1 

1,200 

25 

16 

19.0 

1,170. 

700 

189 

388 

17,700 

795 

441 

631 

37,500 

429 

110 

207 

12,700 

133 

51 

70.7 

4,350 

66 

27 

40.8 

2,430 

37 

33 

35.0 

350 

64 

31 

45.1 

1,610 

98 

39 

66.3 

3,950 

570 

104 

278 

17,100 

1,060 

285 

679 

40,400 

263 

92 

161 

9.900 

122 

67 

82.8 

5,090 

75 

25 

40.7 

2,420 


Note.— Records for 1914 revised. 






































































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


153 


FRENCH CREEK. 

v 

FRENCH CREEK NEAR I7RENCH, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 5, T. 14 N., R. 81 W., at Jenkins ranch, miles southeast of 
French, in Carbon County. No tributary between station and mouth, 2 miles 
below. 

Drainage area. —60 square miles (measured on topographic map). 

Records available. —April 30, 1911, to September 30, 1921. State engineer main¬ 
tained station during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage. —Vertical staff at left abutment of highway bridge, used since June 2, 1920. 
Original gage, 1 mile upstream, read until April 10, 1918, when it was moved 
to a point 480 feet downstream from present site. 

Extremes of discharge. — 1911-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 5.0 feet at 7 p. m. 
June 13, 1918 (discharge, 1,350 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 1.18 feet 
(old gage) April 1, 1915 (discharge, 6 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 4.7 second-feet from 
French Creek; part above station not known. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curve fairly well defined. Records 
good. 

Monthly discharge of French Creek near French , Wyo.,for 1911-1921. 


Month. 


1911. 

May. 

June... 

July 1-15. 

The period. 


1912. 

April. 

May. 

June...'. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


October... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


1912-13. 


1914. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


October... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


1914-15. 


Note.— Records for 1913 and 1914 revised. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

520 

38 

256 

' 15,700 

898 

225 

552 

32,800 

225 

83 

135 

4,020 




52,500 




34 

9 

19.7 

\ 

1,170 

482 

26 

196 

12,100 

875 

370 

653 

38,900 

815 

155 

366 

22,500 

215 

49 

95.4 

5,870 

59 

34 

42.8 

2,550 




83,100 

54 

31 

37.4 

2,300 

120 

15 

43.7 

2,600 

544 

68 

211 

13,000 

522 

140 

281 

16,700 

128 

45 

79.5 

4,890 

54 

. 23 

33.2 

2,040 

30 

18 

22.8 

1,360 

81 

31 

47.4 

2,820 

827 

54 

337 

20,700 

1,140 

308 

646 

38,400 

295 

74 

170 

10,500 

90 

22 

37.7 

2,320 

22 

10 

16.0 

952 




75,700 

22 

10 

14.3 

879 

184 

6 

47.5 

2,830 

304 

58 

171 

10,500 

454 

181 

315 

18,700 

251 

48 

110 

6,760 

46 

21 

34.8 

2,140 

61 

18 

29-1 

1,730 



























































154 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of French Creek near French, Wyo.,for 1911-1921 —Continued. 


Month. 


1915-16. 

October... 

November. 

March 12-31. 

April. 

May.. 

June... 

July. 

August. 

September.... 


1916-17. 

October. 

N ovember 1-11..... 

March 16-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

1918. 

April 10-30. 

May. 

June. 

July 1-13. 

September 17-30. 


1919. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 


1920. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


October.... 
November. 
March 13-31 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1920-21. 


Discharge in second-feet. , 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

36 

20 

27.9 

1,720 

26 

20 

22.2 

1,320 

24 

17 

19.8 

787 

145 

14 

42.3 

2, 520 

338 

83 

185 

11,400 

384 

181 

303 

18,000 

175 

46 

83.7 

5,150 

89 

24 

35-8 

2,200 

35 

17 

20.7 

1,230 

37 

17 

23.7 

1,460 

20 

17 

18.0 

393 

18 

11 

14.9 

473 

40 

14 

22 3 

1,330 

185 

23 

90.3 

5,920 

1,040 

131 

550 

32,700 

755 

139 

342 

21 , 000 

115 

42 

68.8 

4,230 

42 

27 

33.6 

2,000 

34 

18 

26.0 

1,080 

312 

33 

144 

8 , 850 

1,230 

246 

669 

39, 800 

262 

186 

237 

6,110 

32 

25 

26.6 

739 

89 

15 

35.5 

2,110 

658 

80 

262 

16,100 

330 

102 

235 

14,000 

114 

40 

63.9 

3, 930 

29 

17 

22.8 

1, 360 

655 

22 

208 

12,800 

980 

409 

597 

35,500 

395 

56 

171 

10,500 

130 

38 

62.9 

3,870 

56 

19 

29.9 

1,780 




65,800 




47 

19 

26.8 

1,650 

47 

38 

38.3 

2,280 

47 

19 

30.9 

1,160 

3S 

27 

36.1 

2' 150 

1,030 

47 

296 

18,200 

1,480 

314 

905 

53,900 

319 

38 

147 

9,040 

85 

37 

50.4 

3,100 

40 

28 

31.9 

R900 


BRUSH CREEK. 

BRUSH CREEK NEAR SARATOGA, WYO. 

Location. In sec. 8, T. 15 N., R. 82 W., at highway bridge half a mile above mouth 
of creeK and 14 miles southeast of Saratoga. No tributary below station and none 
for several miles above. 

Drainage area.— 98 square miles (measured on base map of Wvomimr scale 
1:500,000). 5 ’ ’ 

Records available.— April 28, 1911, to November 30, 1915. State engineer main¬ 
tained station during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage.—C hain gage on downstream side of bridge; read by W. E. Tilton. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1911-1915. Maximum stage recorded, 5.5 feet June 9, 
1912 (discharge, 2,120 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 0.85 foot August 
23, 1913 (discharge, 1.0 second-foot). 















































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


155 


Diversions. Prior to July 1, 1912, there were adjudicated diversions from Brush 
Creek amounting to 87 second-feet. 

Accuracy.— Gage read once daily. Rating curves well defined. Records fair. 
Monthly discharge of Brush Creek near Saratoga, Wyo.Jor 1911-1915. 


May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


October... 
June 7-30.. 

July. 

August 

September 

October... 

June. 

July. 

August... 
September 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

October. 

November. 

The period 


Month. 


1911. 


1911-12. 


1912-13. 


1914. 


1915. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

690 

88 

309 

19,000 

1,140 

29 

533 

31,700 

35 

5 

17.6 

1,080 

14 

3 

7.0 

430 

13 

4 

7.0 

417 




53 100 

96 

14 

33.8 

2,080 

2,120 

307 

1,060 

50,500 

862 

70 

257 

15,800 

124 

14 

35.4 

2,180 

54 

12 

30.3 

1,860 

80 

37 

56.6 

3,480 

980 

72 

273 

16,200 

116 

8 

34.6 

2,130 

32 

1 

6.1 

375 

24 

2 

7.7 

458 

148 

38 

81.2 

4,830 

1,530 

94 

621 

38,200 

1,760 

14S 

706 

42,000 

128 

4 

51.9 

3,190 

8 

1.5 

3.18 

196 

38 

2 

11.4 

678 




89,100 

460 

127 

228 

14,000 

700 

167 

358 

21,300 

240 

10 

48.5 

2,980 

18 

10 

13.1 

806 

34 

10 

18.2 

1,080 

43 

30 

35.4 

2,180 

30 

24 

27.3 

1,620 

.i. 


44,000 




Note.— Records for 1914 revised. 


ENCAMPMENT RIVER. 


ENCAMPMENT RIVER AT ENCAMPMENT, WYO. 

Location^ —In sec. 6, T. 14 N., R. 83 W., at lower end of smelter grounds at Encamp¬ 
ment, Carbon County. Nearest tributary. North Fork, enters 1 mile above. 

Drainage area. —219 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —May 16 to September 30, 1900; May 1, 1911, to September 30, 
1921. State engineer maintained station during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage. —Chain on left bank at tailing flume which crosses the river. Prior to June 6, 
1912, gage was 175 feet farther downstream, and although referred to same datum, 
read about 1 foot lower, owing to the slope of the river. In 1900 gage was 1 mile 
downstream, at Peryam’s ranch, near Riverside. 

Extremes of discharge. —1900, 1911-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 3.20 feet 
(lower station) May 29, 1900 (discharge, 4,680 second-feet); minimum stage re¬ 
corded, 3.40 (feet present datum) July 24, 1919 (discharge, 3 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Three large irrigation ditches divert water at a point 1 mile above sta¬ 
tion. Water is also diverted below station. Prior to July 1, 1921, there were adju¬ 
dicated diversions from Encampment River amounting to 78 second-feet. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curves well defined except in 1900, 1911— 
1914, for which they were only fairly well defined. Records good except during 
winter, for which they are fair. 





































































156 


SURFACE 


WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of Encampment River at Encampment, Wyo., for 1900, 1911 1921 


Month. 


1900. 

May 16-31. 

June. 

July.. 

August. 

September.. 

The period.. 


1911. 

May.. 

June. 

July.. 

August.. 

September.. 

The period. 


1911-12. 

October. 

November. 

December.. 

January. 

February. 

March... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September... 

The year. 


1912-13. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


October. 

November_ 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September_ 

The year 

October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


1913-14. 


1914-15. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


4,680 

3,640 

570 

130 

195 


2,030 

2,460 

'432 

114 

375 


Minimum. 


440 

98 


180 

3,330 

4,310 

1,040 

229 

229 


4,310 


129 


805 

2,110 

1,660 

255 

42 

42 


2,110 


50 


86 

425 

2,930 

3,220 

508 

146 

59 


3,220 


131 


840 

1,310 

1,660 

375 

54 

146 




1,660 


1,640 

630 

40 

25 

10 


289 

457 

72 

62 

91 


180 

865 

259 

35 

22 


20 


50 

770 

255 

37 

37 

37 


37 


Mean. 


2,930 

1,760 

153 

84.2 

63.5 


1,220 

1,420 

'209 

96.5 

131 


140 
70 
55 
50 
45 
45 
125 
1,160 
2,130 
407 
116 
125 


Run-oIT in 
acre-feet. 


373 


89.6 

60 

50 

45 

40 

45 

334 

1,460 

742 

85.9 

40.4 


39.0 


254 


36 

348 

492 

47 

31 

31 


38. 

35 

35 

30 

35 

50 

191 

1,600 

1,560 

214 

40. 

36. 


323 


34 


51 

272 

398 

33 
30 

34 


70.9 

60 

50 

45 

40 

45 

257 

685 

872 

119 

36.5 

55.0 


194 


9,300 
105,000 
9,410 
5,180 
3.780 


133,000 


75,000 
84,509 
12,900 
5,930 
7,800 


186,000 


8,610 

4,170 

3,380 

3,070 

2,590 

2,770 

7,440 

71,300 

127,000 

25,000 

7,130 

7,440 


270,000 


5,510 
3,570 
3,070 
2,770 
2,220 
2,770 
19,900 
89,800 
44,200 
5,280 
2.4S0 
2,320 


184,000 


2,380 
2,080 
2,150 
1,840 
1,940 
3,070 

11.400 

98.400 
92,800 
13,200 

2,470 

2,150 


234,000 


4,360 
3,570 
3,070 
2,770 
2 , 160 
2,770 
15,300 
42,100 
51,900 
7,320 
2,240 
3,270 


141,000 


Note.—R ecords for 1913 and 1914 revised. 






























































































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN 


157 


Monthly discharge of Encampment River at Encampment, Wyo.,for 1900, 1911-1921 — 

Continued. 


October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

Juiie. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April.. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September_ 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


Month. 


1915-16. 


1916-17. 


1917-18. 


1918-19. 


1919-20. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


87 

52 


1,010 

1,910 

2,010 

805 

220 

138 


Minimum. 


2,010 


580 

123 


290 

1,200 

4,340 

1,860 

296 

82 


4,340 


93 

104 


2,600 

428 

53 

135 


2,600 


340 

88 


695 

1,970 

1,020 

158 

69 

68 


1,970 


58 


2,890 

2,960 

980 

130 

100 


2,960 


41 

41 


Mean. 


80 

610 

920 

58 

48 

40 


72 


133 

805 

375 

72 

47 


45 

75 


1,500 

56 

16 

25 


50 


758 

168 

3 

19 

24 


1 , 

1 . 


61.3 

45.0 

40 

35 

35 

50 

383 

300 

630 

225 

98.2 

70.9 


331 


2 , 

1 , 


182 

58 

40 

40 

35 

45 

135 

515 

620 

010 

129 

61.7 


408 


1 , 


70.4 
90.0 
60 
50 
40 
•50 

220 

900 

720 

210 

25.6 

47.4 


289 


1, 


39 


1,020 

79 

36 

30 


96.5 
75 
50 
40 
35 
40 

254 

340 

595 

52.7 

29.5 
41.2 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


222 


50.2 

50 

40 

40 

35 

40 

200 

1,230 

1,980 

351 

59.9 

53.8 


344 


3,770 
2,680 
2,460 
2,150 
2,010 
3,070 
22,800 
79,900 
97,000 
13,800 
6,040 
4,220 


240,000 


11,200 
3,450 
2,460 
2,460 
1,940 
2,770 
8,030 
33,500 
1.56,000 
62,100 
7,930 
3,670 


296,000 


4,330 
5,360 
3,690 
3,070 
2,220 
3,070 
13,100 
55,300 
102,000 
12,900 
1,570 
2,820 


209,000 


5,930 

4.460 
3,070 

2.460 
1,940 
2,460 

15,100 

82.400 

35.400 
3,240 
1,810 
2,450 


161,000 


3,090 
2,980 
2,460 
2,460 
2,010 
2,460 

11,900 

75.600 
118,000 

21.600 
3,680 
3,200 


249,000 














































































































158 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of Encampment River at Encampment , Wyo.,for 1900, 1911 1921 

Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off jin 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1920-21. 

Oct.nViAr . 

78 

20 

52.1 

50 

40 

40 

40 

55 

125 

1,500 

2,260 

333 

674 

33.7 

3,200 

2,980 

2,460 

2,460 

2,220 

3,380 

7,740 

92,200 

134,000 

20,500 

41,400 

2,010 














April ... 

177 

4,260 

3,660 

940 

165 

41 

162 

1,020 

91 

24 

25 




Align st ... . 

September. 


4,260 


435 

315,000 




Note.—W inter records estimated. 


COW CREEK. 

COW CREEK NEAR SARATOGA, WYO. 

Location— In sec. 36., T. 16 N., R. 84 W., at highway bridge 9 miles south of Saratoga. 
No tributaries between station and mouth, 4 miles below. Calf Creek enters 
2 miles above. 

Drainage area. —60 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1: 500,000). 

Records available. —May 1, 1911, to October 31, 1912. 

Gage. —Vertical staff; read by Margaret Sullivan. 

Extremes of discharge. —1911-12: Maximum stage recorded, 3.9 feet at 5 p. m. 
June 5, 1912 (discharge, 290 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 1.9 feet 
August 14 and 15, 1912 (discharge, 0.5 second-foot). 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1912, there were adjudicated diversions from Cow 
Creek amounting to 84 second-feet and from its tributaries adjudicated diversions 
amounting to 27 second-feet, nearly all above the station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curve fairly well defined. Records good. 

Monthly discharge of Cow Creek near Saratoga , Wyo., for 1911-12. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off 

in 

acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

_ 

Mean. 

1911. 






152 

25 

97.0 

5,960 


218 

44 

136 

8,090 

July. 

44 

2 

8.5 

523 

August. 

5 

2 

2.5 

154 

September. 

5 

2 

2.5 

149 

The period. 




14,900 

1911-12. 




October. 

25 

8 

10.5 

646 

April. 

15 

2 

7.6 

452 


221 

6 

78.7 

4,840 


282 

74 

160 

9,520 


82 

5 

23.7 

1.460 

August. 

48 

.5 

9.4 

578 

September. 

23 

1.2 

7.2 

428 

October. 

31 

10 

21.0 

1.290 








































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


159 


SPRING CREEK. 

SPRING CREEK NEAR SARATOGA, WYO. 

Location. About sec. 23, T. 17, N. R. 84 W., at highway bridge 2 miles south of 
Saratoga. Iso tributary between station and mouth, three-fourths of a mile below. 

Drainage area. 152 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— May 1, 1911, to October 31, 1912. 

Gage. —Vertical staff; read by Vada M. Lyons. 

Extremes of discharge. —1911-12: Maximum stage recorded, 4.1 feet on June 9, 
1912 (discharge, 685 second-feet); minimum flow occurred August 8—11, Sep¬ 
tember 3-12, 1911, when creek was dry. 

Diversions. Prior to July 1, 1912, adjudicated diversions of 5 second-feet from 
Spring Creek, 85 second-feet from North Spring Creek, and 104 second-feet from 
South Spring Creek. These diversions are all above the station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curve fairly well defined. Records fair 
to good. 


Monthly discharge of Spring Creek near Saratoga , Wyo.,for 1911-12. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1911. 






191 

35 

124 

7 620 


368 

62 

214 

12,700 

July. 

70 

6 

16.2 

996 

August./... 

9 

0 

4.7 

289 

September. 

13 

0 

6.2 

369 

The period.. 




22 ,00r> 

1911-12. 





October. 

52 

21 

23.6 

1,450 

February. 



15.0 

863 

March.. I. 



20.0 

1,230 

April. 

60 

16 

32.2 

lj920 

May. 

510 

32 

153 

9,410 


685 

159 

418 

24', 900 

July. 

187 

12 

48.9 

3,010 

August. 

32 

3 

12.0 

738 

September. 

43 

5 

24.4 

1,450 

October. 

49 

26 

34.6 

2,130 


Note.—R ecords for April, 1921, revised. 


NORTH SPRING CREEK NEAR SARATOGA, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 19, T. 16 N., R. 85 W., at Boock’s ranch, 14 miles southwest of 
Saratoga, in Carbon County. Nearest tributary, Methodist Creek, enters a few 
miles below. 

Drainage area. —26 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —August 23, 1913, to July 3, 1915. 

Gage. —Vertical staff at left bank, just above footbridge at Boock’s ranch; read by 
Fred W. Boock. 

Extremes of discharge. —1913-1915: Maximum stage, 3.1 feet on afternoon of 
June 4, and morning of June 5, 1914 (discharge, 370 second-feet); minimum stage 
recorded, 0.45 foot October 1-5, 15-19, 1913 (discharge, 2 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1914, there were adjudicated diversions of 80 second- 
feet from North Spring Creek. It is not known which of these diversions are 
above the station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curve fairly well defined. Records 
poor to fair on account of uncertainty in gage-height records. 

































160 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of North Spring Creek near Saratoga, Wyo., for 1913-1915 


Month. 


1913. 

August 23-31. 

September. 


1913-14. 

October. 

April 21-30.. 

May. 

Juiie. 

July. 

August... 

September. 


1914-15. 

October. 

May. 

Juiie. 


Discharge in secoud-feet. 

Run-olY in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

* 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

12 

9 

9.8 

175 

16 

2 

8.4 

500 

8 

2 

3.9 

240 

42 

25 

35. 5 

704 

275 

25 

125 

7,690 

358 

68 

174 

10,400 

68 

17 

34.0 

2,090 

17 

6 

8.3 

510 

11 

6 

7. 3 

434 

17 

6 

9.3 

572 

108 

42 

SO. 6 

4,960 

108 

48 

88.3 

5,250 


JACK CREEK. 

JACK CREEK AT MATHESON’S RANCH, NEAR SARATOGA, WYO. 

Location.— About sec. 36, T. 17 N., R. 86 W., at Matheson’s ranch, 14 miles southwest 
of Saratoga, Carbon County. Nearest tributary, North Jack Creek, enters some 
distance below. 

Drainage area.— 32 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —August 23, 1913, to October 31, 1917; April 20, 1919, to Sep¬ 
tember 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Vertical staff at left abutment of wagon bridge 1,000 feet below ranch house. 
Gage originally 200 feet above present site; moved 800 feet farther upstream 
August 15, 1915, and read until June 13, 1917. No determined relation between 
readings on various gages. 

Extremes of discharge. —1913-1917, 1919-1921: Maximum stage recorded, approxi¬ 
mately 4.3 feet June 11, 1917 (discharge, 260 second-feet); minimum discharge, 
creek dry from August 18 to 23,1919. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, there were adjudicated diversions of 102 second- 
feet from Jack Creek; practically all below station. 

Accuracy.— Gage read twice daily. Rating curves well defined. Records good. 

Monthly discharge of Jack Creek at Matheson's ranch, near Saratoga , Wyo., for 1918- 

1917, 1919-1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

1913. 

August 23-31. 

5 

2 

3.11 

56 

September. 

6 

4 

4.70 

280 

1913-14. 

October. 

13 

5 

8. 52 

524 

November 1-21. 

11 

5 

8.05 

335 

April 20-30. 

58 

33 

42.8 

935 


180 

39 

113 

6,950 


190 

45 

103 

6,130 

July. 

48 

8 

24.1 

1,480 

August. 

11 

4 

6.23 

383 

September. 

8 

4 

5.27 

341 






























































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


161 


Monthly discharge of Jack Creek at Matheson’s ranch , near Saratoqa, Wyo for 191 i- 

1917, 1919-1921— Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

October 1-22. 

1914-15. 

10 

4 

A G 



98 

o. y 

40 K 

3,040 

June. 

190 

60 

40 

AQ 1 

July. 

40 

in 

Do. 1 

o, 7 DO 
1,220 
97* 

August 15-31. 

1.4 

9.8 

11 

2.0 

1 0 

ly. y 

A 1 

September. 

Q QQ 

99 1 

October. 

1915-16. 

o 

O. OO 

7 9 

40 l 

November 1-12. 

9 

<j 

A 

7.1 

Q 7 

Hi 

1AQ 

March 26-31. 

12 

47 

181 

102 

44 

22 

9 

17 

10 

60 

196 

260 

190 

33 

c 

1 1 

April. 

A 

Ifi Q 

070 


14 

A4 8 

y/u 

Q8Q 

June. 

40 

7^ Q 

o, yn t 
i *9G 

July. 

7 

IQ O 

1,170 

August. 

6 

Q 0 

September. 

7.0 

10.9 

6.9 

24.8 

91.6 
202 

85.4 

13.6 
6.6 

417 

October. 

1916-17. 

7 

A70 

November. 

6 

10 

9 

411 
1,480 
^ 0*10 

April.;. 

Mav. 

June. 


91 

23 

8 

uou 

12,000 

5,250 

836 

393 

July. 

August. 

September. 






April 20-30. 

May. 

June. 

1919. 

59 

97 

52 

23 

42 

36 

2 

48.5 

59.2 

45.1 

9.5 

2.2 

3.2 

1,060 

3,640 

2,680 

584 

135 

190 

July. 

33 

August. 

6 

0 

2 

September.. 

9 





The period.... 





8 290 

October. 

1919-20. 

10 

4 

7. 2 

443 

April 24-30. 

16 

6 

11.7 

162 

Mav. 

293 

24 

128 

7 870 

June. 

184 

59 

136 

8'090 

Julv. 

54 

8 

22. 4 

1 380 

August. 

14 

10 

10.6 

652 

September_____ 

10 

3 

5. 4 

321 

October 10-16_ 

1920-21. 

10 

8 

9.0 

126 

May 14-31. 

250 

59 

158 

5,640 

June. 

250 

75 

169 

10'100 

July. 

62 

12 

31.4 

l'930 

August. 

27 

6 

9.9 

'609 

September. 

7 

5 

5.8 

345 




JACK CREEK AT BLYDENBURGH’S RANCH, NEAR SARATOGA, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 8, T. 17 N., R. 84 W., at highway bridge 6 miles northwest of 
Saratoga. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available. —June 10, 1912, to October 31, 1914. Station maintained by 
State engineer during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage. —Vertical staff. 

Extremes of discharge. —1912-1914: Maximum stage recorded, 3.6 feet at 5 p. m. 
June 10, 1912 (discharge, 735 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 0.7 foot 
August 23 to September 3, 1913, when there was no flow. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curve well defined. Records excellent. 














































































162 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharqe of Jack Creek at Blydenburgh’s ranch near Saratoga, Wyo., for 1912 

1914 . 


Month. 


1912. 

June 10-30. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1912-13. 

October. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1913-14. 

October. 

April 19-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


October 


1914. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

735 

86 

213 

8,870 

93 

10 

37.'8 

2,320 

•24 

6 

9.5 

584 

25 

6 

11.6 

713- 




12,500 

41 

10 

16.9 

1,040 

160 

73 

110 

6,760 

83 

9 

34.1 

2,030 

8.0 

2.5 

4.15 

255 

2.5 

0 

1.30 

80 

1.5 

0 

1.07 

64 

9.4 

1.5 

5.36 

330 

230 

60 

120 

2,860 

539 

83 

272 

16,700 

555 

25 

148 

8,810 

27 

3.0 

9. 97 

613 

10 

2.0 

3.31 

204 

2.5 

1.0 

1.92 

114 

12.4 

1.0 

6.07 

373 


Note.— Records for 1913 and 1914 revised. 


JACK CREEK NEAR SARATOGA, WYO. 

Location.— In sec. 28, T. 18 N., R. 84 W., at Burdick’s ranch, 5 miles northwest of 
Saratoga. No tributary between the station and mouth, 1 mile below. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available. —April 26, 1911, to July 31, 1912. 

Gage. —Vertical staff. 

Extremes op discharge. —1911-12: Maximum stage recorded, 3.65 feet at 6.30 p. m. 
May 31, 1912 (discharge, 318 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 0.55 foot 
August 3-10, 1911 (discharge, 0.2 second-foot). 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1912, there were adjudicated diversions from Jack 
Creek of 92 second-feet. These diversions are all above the station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily except during high water, when it was read twice 
daily. Rating curve well defined. Records good except during winter, for 
which they are fair. 


Monthly discharge of Jack Creek near Saratoga, Wyo., for 1911-1912. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1911. 





April 26-30. 



46.4 

460 


Ill 

41 

63.0 

3,870 


149 

4.6 

52.1 

3,100 


6.4 

.5 

2.0 

123 

August. 

1.2 

.2 

.48 

30 

September. 

4.0 

.5 

.98 

58 

The period. 




7,040 

1911-12. 



. 

October. 

34 

5.5 

10.9 

670 

November. 



8.0 

470 

December. 

* 


6. 0 

369 

January. 



8 0 

492 

February. 



7.0 

403 

March...". 



14 0 

861 

April 6-30. 

58 

27 

41.4 

2,050 


291 

45 

163 

10,000 


291 

49 

167 

9,940 

July. 

58 

2 

15 

922 

1 




















































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


163 


PASS CREEK. 

PASS CREEK NEAR WALCOTT. WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 15, T. 20 N., R. 84 W., at Crone’s ranch, 4 miles south of 
Walcott. No important tributary between station and mouth, several miles 
below. 

Drainage area. —278 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —May 1 to October 4, 1911. 

Gage. —Vertical staff; read by A. Crone. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1912, adjudicated diversions from Pass Creek amount¬ 
ing to 155 second-feet, and from tributaries, adjudicated diversions amounting 
to 33 second-feet. Probably, the greater part of the diversions are above station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curve fairly well defined. Records 
good except for periods interpolated, for which they are approximate. 

Monthly discharge of Pass Creek near Walcott , Wyo., for 1911. 


Month 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1911. 

34 

241 

1.0 

20 

2.5 

0 

26.1 

44.6 

.15 

0 

0 

1,600 

2,650 
9.2 
0 

0 

June. 


Alienist . 

September. 



Tho norind . 






4,260 






MEDICINE BOW RIVER BASIN. 

MEDICINE BOW RIVER NEAR MEDICINE BOW, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 7, T. 20 N., R. 79 W., at private bridge at Johnson’s ranch, 14 
miles southwest of Medicine Bow, Carbon County. Nearest tributary, Wagon- 
hound Creek, enters 3 miles below. 

Drainage area. —178 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —June 4, 1911, to November 3, 1917; May 1, 1919, to Septem¬ 
ber 30, 1921. State engineer maintained station during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage.— Vertical staff at downstream side of left abutment. Gage used during 1911 
and 1912 was 600 feet upstream and referred to different datum. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1911-1917, 1919-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 5.4 feet 
at 7.30 a. m. June 23, 1917 (discharge, 2,810 second-feet); no flow in 1911, 1915, 
1916, and 1919. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 208 second-feet from 
Medicine Bow River above station and 73 second-feet below. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curve well defined below 1,300 second- 
feet. Records good. 

























164 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

Monthly discharqe of Medicine Bow River near Medicine Bow, Wyo., for 1911-191 / r 

1919-1921. 


Month. 


1911. 

June 4-30. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1911-12. 

October. 

April 7-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1912-13. 

October. 

November. 

April 16-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1913-14. 

October. 

April 11-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1914-15. 

October... 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


October. 

November 1-14 

April. 

May.. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September- 


1915-16. 


1916-17. 

October. 

November 1-11. 

April 15-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


October 


1917. 


1919. 

May... 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-oil in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1, 200 

145 

651 

34,900 

145 

7.5 

41.8 

2,570 

5.0 

0 

1.84 

113 

36 

0 

8.15 

485 




38,100 

95 

10 

35.1 

2,160 

419 

158 

246 

11, 700 

875 

218 

487 

29,900 

1,260 

744 

1,030 

61, 300 

1,260 

49 

473 

29,100 

'285 

10 

61.5 

3,780 

64 

14 

39.8 

2,370 

56 

34 

46.8 

2,880 

56 

30 

42.3 

2, 520 

506 

240 

321 

9,550 

1,390 

200 

482 

29,600 

1, 250 

136 

417 

24, 800 

110 

2 

13.1 

806 

10 

0 

2.4 

148 

28 

0 

14.3 

851 

54 

18 

30.3 

1, 860 

140 

48 

104 

4,130 

1, 520 

105 

440 

27,100 

2,270 

95 

674 

40,100 

95 

17 

39.1 

2,400 

105 

13 

24.7 

1, 520 

13 

8 

11.7 

696 

19 

10 

15.7 

965 

379 

89 

193 

11, 900 

716 

227 

382 

22,700 

205 

.4 

40.4 

2,480 

150 

1.6 

8.68 

5,340 

100 

2 

22.5 

1,340 

55 

21 

32.0 

1,970 

32 

28 

28.3 

786 

136 

43 

76.8 

4, 570 

423 

85 

199 

12, 200 

688 

150 

349 

20, 800 

136 

0 

23.0 

1, 410 

32 

2 

11.7 

719 

19 

3 

5.2 

311 

35 

3 

19.3 

1,190 

35 

21 

26.4 

576 

146 

51 

91.4 

2,900 

355 

54 

195 

12,000 

2,810 

241 

1,010 

60,10O 

922 

72 

338 

20,800 

51 

10 

23.5 

1,440 

14 

5 

8.3 

494 

20 

2.8 

12.4 

762 

1,180 

125 

430 

26, 400 

424 

15 

187 

11,100 

14 

1 

7.0 

43u 

46 

0 

8.1 

498 

16 

0 

5.0 

298 































































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 165 

Monthly discharge of Medicine Bow River near Medicine Bow, Wyo for 1911-1917 

1919-1921— Continued. 


Mouth. 


October.... 
November. 
March 21-31 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1919-20. 


1920-21. 

October. 

November. 

March 13-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

; Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

39 

8 

19.9 

1,220 

53 

23 

30.8 

1,830 

62 

47 

53.5 

1 ,170 

142 

34 

69.8 

4,150 

1,290 

79 

461 

28,300 

1,840 

430 

953 

56, 700 

430 

18 

93.3 

5, 740 

46 

13 

24.5 

1, 510 

27 

3 

13.3 

791 

40 

14 

26.2 

1,610 

50 

34 

43.2 

2, 570 

. 125 

37 

64.3 

2,420 

120 

44 

75.8 

4, 510 

1, 420 

160 

494 

30, 400 

1.540 

162 

864 

51, 400 

148 

20 

55.3 

3,400 

45 

11 

24.0 

1, 480 

11 

4 ' 

7.6 

452 


Note. Records for 1913 and 1914 revised. Records for April, 1916, have been slightly revised since 
being published originally. 


MEDICINE BOW RIVER AT MEDICINE BOW, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 15, T. 22 N., R. 78 W., at Union Pacific Railroad pump house 
half a mile southeast of railroad station at Medicine Bow. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available. —May 8 to October 5, 1901. 

Gage.— 'Vertical staff. 

Diversions. —No data. 

Accuracy. —Gage probably read twice daily. Rating curve fairly well defined. 
Records fair. 


Monthly discharge of Medicine Bow River at Medicine Bow, Wyo., for 1901. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
a ere-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

May 8-31. 

1,920 

191 

940 

44,700 


1,630 

350 

976 

58,100 


272 

45 

95.8 

5,890 

August. 

45 

6 

17.2 

L060 

September. 

17 

8 

15.6 

928 

October 1-5 . 

10 

10 

10.0 


The period . 




111,100 







ROCK CREEK NEAR ARLINGTON, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 25, T. 19 N., R. 79 W., at highway bridge 1£ miles above Arlington, 
in Carbon County. Nearest tributary, Overland Creek, enters half a mile above. 
Prior to January 12, 1916, station was at Arlington, 1£ miles downstream. Flow at 
two points practically the same.' 

Drainage area. —70 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —April 22, 1911, to September 30, 1918. 


































































166 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Gage. —Bristol water-stage recorder, at left bank just below bridge. 

Extremes of discharge. —1911-^-1918: Maximum stage recorded, 3.9 feet on June 7, 
1911 (discharge, 1,450 second-feet). Minimum discharge, 1 second-feet on 
January 5-6, based on discharge measurements and temperature records. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated permits for diversions of 
about 4 second-feet from Rock Creek above and 209 second-feet below the station. 

Cooperation. —Field data furnished by Rock Creek Conservation Co. Check 
measurements have been made by the United States Geological Survey. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily from April 22, 1911, to July 11, 1912, after which 
time the gage heights were obtained from continuous record. Rating curves 
are fairly well defined but are applied indirectly because of shifting control. 
Records fair to good. 

Monthly discharge of Rock Creek near Arlington , Wyo. y for 1911-1918. 


Month. 


April 22-30. 

May. 

June. 

J uly. 

August. 

September. 

The period 

October.. 

April.. 

May.. 

June.. 

July. 

August.. 

September. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
March 19-31 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July.. 

August.. 

September. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May.. 

June. 

July. 

August.. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January.. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May.. 

June. 

July. 

August.. 

September.... 

The year 


1911. 


1911-12. 


1912-13. 


1913-14. 


1914-15. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


Minimum. 


89 

620 

1,459 

195 

57 

44 


64 

46 

630 

1,190 

810 

185 

61 

85 

63 


12 

100 

800 

680 

142 

67 

21 


23 

18 


34 

1,080 
1,160 
155 
64 
34 


1,160 


26 

18 

8 

18 

26 

18 

173 

479 

779 

219 

29 

24 


779 


24 

57 

175 

44 

24 

17 


Mean. 


24 

10 

10 

300 

112 

37 

31 

11 

20 


6 

6 

92 

155 

40 

10 

9 


8 

11 


52.0 

2S2 

643 

88.9 

38.9 
23.8 


43.5 
19.0 

146 

866 

380 

88.2 

44.1 

41.4 

32.6 
30 

8.5 

21.6 
306 
407 

77.3 
27.7 

13.3 


9 

18 

165 

50 

26 

18 


15 

4 

2 

1 

7 

8 
10 
51 

230 

24 

12 

11 


14.3 

13.7 
13 
13 
13 
11 

23.2 
344 
642 

88.8 
34.8 

21.2 


103 


21.2 

10.9 

3.6 

7.2 

15.8 
13.5 

37.3 
250 
424 

69.7 

16.9 

16.3 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


73.8 


928 

17.300 

38.300 
5,470 
2,390 
1,420 


65,800 


2,670 
1,130 
9,000 
51,500 
23,400 
5,420 
2,620 

2,550 
1,940 
1.840 
'219 
1,290 
18,800 
24,200 
4,750 
1,700 
791 


879 

815 

799 

799 

722 

676 

1,380 

21,200 

38,200 

5,460 

2,140 

1,260 


74,300 


1,300 
649 
220 
442 
878 
830 
2,220 
15,400 
25,200 
4,290 
1,040 
970 


53,400 

























































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 167 

Monthly discharge of Rock Creek near Arlington , Wyo.,J'or 1911-1918 —Continued. 


Month. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May... 

June. 

July.. 

August.. 

September.... 

The year 


1915-16. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

F ebruary. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


1916-17. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

F ebruary. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.. 

September.... 

The year 


1917-18. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

31 

15 

23.4 

1,440 

35 

14 

20.7 

1,230 

27 

15 

19.4 

1,190 

20 

6 

9. 77 

'601 

14 

10 

11.0 

633 

41 

9 

22.0 

1,350 

63 

12 

28.1 

1,670 

347 

67 

170 

10,500 

566 

259 

424 

25,200 

250 

34 

99.5 

6; 120 

40 

19 

28.1 

1,730 

21 

10 

17.3 

1,030 

566 

6 

72.5 

52,700 

31 

18 

22.4 

1,380 

25 

14 

19.0 

1,130 

25 

6 

14.3 

879 

16 

4 

9.7 

596 

13 

8 

11.2 

622 

25 

6 

11.3 

695 

35 

16 

20.8 

1,240 

82 

12 

40.5 

2,490 

1,000 

67 

501 

29,800 

509 

106 

273 

16,800 

92 

14 

34.7 

2,130 

35 

13 

19.7 

1,170 

1,000 

4 

81.4 

58,900 

35 

19 

28.9 

1,780 

33 

24 

28.5 

1,700 

35 

25 

31.5 

1,940 

32 

20 

25.5 

1,570 

30 

20 

25.0 

1,390 

38 

26 

33.2 

2,040 

49 

30 

41.2 

2,450 

485 

44 

236 

14,500 

1,240 

183 

733 

43,600 

222 

36 

114 

7,010 

46 

16 

26.1 

1,600 

43 

16 

21.2 

1,260 

1,240 

16 

112 

80,800 


ROCK CREEK NEAR ROCK RIVER, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 7, T. 20 N., R. 76 W., at Phelan’s ranch, 1 mile southeast of Rock 
River. No important tributary between station and mouth, several miles below. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available. —April 1, 1911, to November 17, 1912. 

Gage. —Vertical staff. In July, 1912, a recording gage referred to same datum was 
installed by Rock Creek Conservation Co. 

Extremes of discharge. —1911-12: Maximum stage recorded, 4.2 feet at 11 a. m. 
June 4, 1912 (discharge, 1,350 second-feet); no flow July 26-29, and August 29 to 
September 25, 1911. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1,1912, adjudicated diversions from Rock Creek amounted 
to 232 second-feet; and from tributaries, adjudicated diversions amounted to 73 
second-feet, nearly all above the station. 

Cooperation. —Field data furnished by Rock Creek Conservation Co. Check meas¬ 
urements made by United States Geological Survey. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily to July 27, 1912, after which time the gage heights 
were obtained from continuous record. Rating curve fairly well defined. 
Records fair. 


105707—23— wsp 469-12 


-v 















































































168 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of Rock Creek near Rock River , Wyo., for 1911-12. 


Month. 


1911. 

April.. 

May.. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1911-12. 

October. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April 14-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

October. 

November 1-17. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

. . 

37 

1 

8.9 

530 

369 

3 

110 

6,760 

900 

120 

457 

27,200 

110 

4 

43.2 

2,660 

25 

0 

11.6 

713 

7 

0 

.7 

42 


1 

37,900 

25 

7 

11.8 

726 



10 

615 



8 

460 



14 

861 

125 

85 

107 

3,610 

325 

70 

145 

8,920 

1,220 

260 

670 

39,900 

485 

25 

137 

8,420 

64 

4 

20.9 

1,290 

64 

1 

27.1 

1,610 

56 

26 

41.9 

2,580 

37 

22 

34.5 

1,160 


DEEP CREEK NEAR ARLINGTON, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 16, T. 17 N., R. 79 W., at outlet of Sand Lake, 12 miles southwest 
of Arlington, Carbon County, at an elevation of 10,000 feet. No tributary within 
several miles. 

Drainage area.— 3.7 square miles (measured on topographic map). 

Records available. —September 6, 1914, to September 30, 1918. 

Gage. —Bristol water-stage recorder at left bank just below outlet of lake. Prior to 
October 1, 1915., gage was 160 feet upstream, and referred to different datum. 

Diversions. —No diversions above. 

Regulation. —Flow regulated naturally by Sand Lake, which has an area of about 
95 acres. 

Accuracy.— -Operation of water-stage recorder fairly satisfactory. Rating curves 
fairly well defined. Records fair. 

Cooperation. —Field data furnished by Rock Creek Conservation Co. 


Monthly discharge of Deep Ci'eek near Arlington , Wyo., for 1915, 1917-18. 


Month. 


1914-15. 

September 6-30. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May 20-31. 

June." 

July. 

August. 

September. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1.0 

0.5 

0.73 

36.2 

2.8 

.7 

1.56 

95.9 

1.2 

.4 

.79 

Q 

47.0 

IQ A 



A 

JLo. 

O A A 

1.2 

. 6 

.65 

A*. O 

36.1 

.7 

.5 

.61 

37.5 

10.0 

.4 

3.17 

189 

21 

10 

15.5 

369 

75 

14 

41.0 

2,440 

26 

3.3 

8.84 

544 

2.8 

1.0 

1.71 

105 

1.2 

1.0 

1.02 

61 

1 i -- -| 

- ; 






































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 169 

Monthly discharge of Deep Creek near Arlington, Wyo.,for 1915, 1917-18— Continued. 


Month. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


1915-16. 


October. 

N ovember.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


1916-17. 


October. 

November_ 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July.. 

August. 

September_ 

The year 


1917-18. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

2.0 

4.0 

1.5 

1.1 

1.1 

.8 

1.4 
2.1 
1.1 

.8 

.9 

.7 

1.0 

8.2 

34.9 

11.4 

2.5 

1.6 

86 

125 

67 

49 

52 

43 

60 

504 

2,080 

701 

154 

95 





1.8 

28 

46 

24 

5 

2.5 

.8 

3 

26 

4.5 

1.6 
1.3 

46 


5.52 

4,020 

2.3 

.7 

1.32 

81.2 

1.0 

.4 

.71 

42.2 

.4 

.3 

.30 

18.4 



30 

i« 4 

.6 

.4 

! 48 

26.7 

.5 

.2 

.32 

19.7 

1 . 5 

.3 

. 65 

38.7 

1.4 

.6 

.99 

60.9 

100 

1.1 

40.7 

2,420 

90 

10 

42.5 

2,610 

11 

.3 

2.41 

148 

.6 

.2 

.37 

22.0 

100 

.2 

7.62 

5,510 

.9 

.2 

.65 

40.0 

‘ .4 

.2 

.23 

13.7 

.4 

.3 

.31 

19.1 

.4 

.2 

.30 

18.4 

1.0 

.2 

.39 

21.7 

.6 

.3 

.36 

22.1 

.5 

.2 

.33 

21.0 



10 


68 

1.8 

24.8 

1,480 

32 

1.0 

11.3 

695 

1.2 

.2 

.70 

43.0 

1.2 

. 5 

.72 

43.0 

68 

.2 

4.17 

3,030 


MUDDY CREEK NEAR SHIRLEY, WYO. 


Location. —In sec. 14, T. 26 N., R. 80 W., at highway bridge near Point of Rocks, 6 
miles east of Shirley, in Carbon County. Nearest tributary enters 4 miles above. 

Drainage area.— 67 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1: 500,000). 

Records available. —May 6, 1915, to April 15, 1917. 

Gage. —-Vertical staff at downstream side of left abutment of bridge; read by Dave 
Wray. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 3.2 second-feet 
from Muddy Creek above station and 4.8 second-feet below. 

Accuracy. —Stage-discharge relation not permanent. Rating curve not well defined. 
Gage read twice daily, and oftener during high water. Records good. 

The only flow recorded for the period from October 1, 1916, to April 15, 1917, was 

as follows: 


Date. Second-feet. ! Date. Second-feet. 

Aprils. 15.0 April 11. 64.4 

9. 122 ! 12. 45.8 

10. 109 13. 53.7 


Date. 
April 14 
15 


The total flow during the period was 911 acre-feet. 


Second-feet. 

. 27.3 

. 21.8 












































































170 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of Muddy Creek near Shirley, Wyo., for 1915-16. 


Month. 

Discha 

Maximum. 

rge in second-feet. 

Minimum. Mean. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

1915. 




May 6-13... 

55 

0 5.47 

282 


21 

0 3.12 

186 

July. 

46 

0 1.98 

122 

August. 

330 

0 23.2 

1,430 

September. 

122 

.7 13.3 

791 

The period. 



2,810 

1915-16. 




October. 

5 

3 3.87 

238 

November i-20. 

4 

.9 2.79 

111 

March 19-31. 

103 

8 j 34.9 

900 

April. 

24 

5 13.5 

803 

May. 

28 

10 16.5 

1,010 

June. 

22 

.3 5.02 

299 

July. 

.3 

.3 .30 

18 

August. 

42 

. 3 2.98 

183 

September. 

15 

1 

.3 1.14 

68 


Note.— Run-off began March 12, 1916, and reached maximum stage before observer began readings. 


SWEETWATER RIVER. 

SWEETWATER RIVER NEAR SPLITROCK, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 34, T. 29 N., It. 87 W., at Sim’s ranch, a quarter of a mile 
above Devils Gate and 15 miles east of Splitrock, in Natrona County. 
Drainage area. —2,180 square miles. 

Records available. —October 1, 1902, to December 15, 1903. 

Gage. —Vertical staff; read by Tom Sun, jr. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1903, adjudicated diversions of 101 second-feet from 
Sweetwater River above station. 

Accuracy.— Gage read twice daily. Rating curve fairly well defined. Records good. 
Monthly discharge of Sweetwater River near Splitrock, Wyo., for 1902-3. 


October.... 
November.. 
March 18-31 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


October. 

November. 

December 1-15 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Month. 


1902-3. 


1903. 



Maximum. 


Min imum , j 


Mean. 


20 

25 

67 

187 

213 

400 

128 

54 

22 


14 

16.8 

14 

19.0 

38 

48.5 

67 

110 

99 

140 

128 

287 

19 

49.0 

14 

16.7 

12 

14.6 


| 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


1,030 
1,130 
1,350 
6,550 
8,610 
17,100 
3,010 
1,030 
8,690 


48 

48 

43 


22 

43 

43 


36.8 

44.3 

43.0 


2,260 

.2,640 

1,280 































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


171 


SWEETWATER RIVER NEAR ALCOVA, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 17, T. 29 N., R. 86 W., at Schoonmaker’s ranch, 27 miles west of 
Alcova, in Natrona County. Backwater from Pathfinder reservoir reaches a 
point 5 miles below. Nearest tributary, Dry Creek, enters 6 miles below. 

Drainage area. —2,270 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —August 28, 1913, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage.— Vertical staff on left bank at old bridge abutment 200 feet above footbridge. 

Extremes of discharge. —1913-1921: Maximum mean daily stage recorded, 4.£5 
feet on May 6, 1920 (discharge, 1,610 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 0.16 
foot August 23, 1919 (discharge, 2 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 170 second-feet from 
Sweetwater River above the station. The original diversions below have been 
destroyed by Pathfinder reservoir. 

Cooperation. —Beginning April 1, 1917, complete records furnished by United 
States Reclamation Service. 


Monthly discharge of Sweetwater River near Alcova , Wyo., for 1913-1921. 


Month. 


September 


1913. 


October... 

November 

April. 

May.. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


1913-14. 


1914-15. 

October. 

November 1-14. 

March 19-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1915-16. 

October..... 

November 1-19. 

March 12-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1916-17. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

46 

25 

28.6 

1,700 

62 

54 

54.5 

3,350 

54 

52 

53.9 

3,210 

795 

191 

370 

22,000 

830 

360 

542 

33,300 

790 

140 

398 

23,700 

136 

38 

64.4 

3,960 

57 

25 

38.9 

2,390 

39 

12 

22.8 

1,360 

57 

32 

48.9 

3,010 

57 

51 

52.4 

1,460 

78 

35 

55.5 

1,430 

257 

64 

136 

8,090 

146 

70 

95.6 

5,880 

352 

99 

176 

10,500 

102 

45 

72.0 

4,430 

75 

43 

52.5 

3,230 

90 

54 

70.5 

4,200 

95 

80 

86.6 

5,320 

82 

78 

79.9 

3,010 

732 

105 

290 

11,500 

775 

172 

432 

25,700 

960 

347 

603 

37,100 

485 

166 

381 

22,700 

160 

65 

96.6 

5,940 

59 

55 

57.1 

3,510 

51 

38 

43.4 

2,580 

882 

65 

357 

21,200 

1,350 

238 

743 

45,700 

1,350 

843 

1,120 

66,600 

1,030 

91 

362 

22,300 

90 

63 

74.2 

4,560 

67 

53 

59.6 

3,550 




164,000 




























































172 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of Sweetwater River near Alcana , Wyo.Jor 1913-1921— Continued. 


October. 

November... 
December 1-8 
March 10-31.. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September... 


October 1-12 
March 16-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July.'.. 

August_'. 

September. 

The period 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Run-oif in 


Month. 


1917-18. 


1918-19. 


1920. 


1921. 





acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 


92 

53 

57.3 

3,520 

79 

54 

61.9 

3,680 

60 

42 

53.9 

855 

148 

83 

97.5 

4,250 

564 

88 

246 

14,600 

522 

216 

353 

21,700 

465 

152 

337 

20,100 

130 

45 

69.2 

4,250 

43 

20 

28.4 

1,750 

45 

20 

34.6 

2,060 

48 

43 

46.7 

1,110 

105 

77 

85.1 

2,700 

288 

80 

171 

10,200 

236 

94 

129 

7,930 

147 

16 

58.9 

3,500 

21 

2 

5.9 

363 

8 

2 

2.6 

160 

18 

2 

8.0 

476 

1,580 

95 

545 

32,400 

1,610 

323 

1,080 

66,400 

1,160 

248 

674 

40,100 

212 

33 

83.8 

5,150 

50 

31 

40.1 

2,470 

42 

25 

31.8 

1,890 




148,000 



_ 

-—- 

368 

120 

252 

15,000 

1,040 

210 

693 

42,600 

1,300 

224 

979 

58,300 

183 

64 

110 

6,760 

78 

26 

53.5 

3,290 

63 

26 

44.4 

2,640 




129,000 






MINOR STREAMS ENTERING PATHFINDER RESERVOIR. 

# 

SAGE CREEK ABOVE PATHFINDER, WYO. 

Location.— In sec. 3, T. 26 N., R. 84 W., at footbridge at Vivion’s ranch, 25 miles 
above Pathfinder dam. No tributary between station and mouth, 2 miles below. 

Drainage area.— 182 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— March 20, 1915, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Vertical staff 5 feet above footbridge at left bank. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1915-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 6.5 feet from high- 
water mark of April 9, 1920 (discharge, about 1,080 second-feet); minimum dis¬ 
charge, no flow July 6 to 8, 1921. 

Diversions.— Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 15 second-feet from 
Sage Creek and 29 second-feet from tributaries, all above station. 

Accuracy.— Gage read twice daily. Rating curve well defined. Records good. 




























































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 

Monthly discharge of Sage Creek above Pathfinder, Wyo.,for 1915-1921. 


173 


Month. 


March 20-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


1914-15. 


October. 

November 1-27 

March 5-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1915-16. 


October. 

November 1-25 
March 2 5-31.... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1916-17. 


October... 
November. 
March 9-31 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August_ 

September, 


1917-18. 


October. 

November 1-22 

March 16-31_ 

April. 

May.. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1918-19. 


1919-20. 

October 1-9. 

November 1-11. 

March 14-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1920-21. 

October. 

November. 

March 18-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 




acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 


6.6 

2.8 

4.67 

Ill 

28 

6.0 

16.5 

982 

44 

3.7 

10.5 

646 

48 

.6 

10.1 

601 

2.7 

.5 

.82 

50.4 

56 

.6 

5.35 

329 

36 

.7 

10.2 

607 




“Jin 

9.8 

7.2 

8. 54 

525 

12 

6.9 

8. 24 

441 

98 

17 

51.1 

2,740 

77 

16 

43.0 

2,560 

78 

22 

48.2 

2,960 

21 

.8 

4. 65 

277 

1.0 

.5 

.63 

37.7 

1.0 

.6 

.81 

49.8 

2.3 

.9 

1.42 

84.5 

9.0 

1.1 

4.87 

299 

10 

6.3 

8. 40 

417 

92 

22 

40.7 

565 

246 

11 

93.9 

5,590 

236 

31 

114 

7,010 

156 

8.4 

74.6 

4,440 

3.8 

.7 

1.58 

97 

1.0 

.8 

.85 

52 

3.0 

1.0 

2.52 

150 

12 

1.8 

5.9 

363 

14 

10 

12.3 

732 

76 

11 

31.5 

1,440 

100 

21 

44.6 

2,650 

92 

40 

66.2 

4,070 

42 

.8 

13.4 

797 

1.8 

.7 

.86 

53 

1.9 

.8 

1.09 

67 

3.8 

1.0 

2.14 

127 

9.0 

3.6 

4.41 

271 

12 

9.0 

10.4 

454 

22 

8 

12.3 

390 

40 

7 

23.7 

1,410 

23 

.1 

6.04 

371 

.6 

.2 

.36 

21.4 

.4 

.1 

.25 

15.4 

1.0 

.0 

.17 

10.5 

.6 

.1 

.42 

25.0 

3.0 

.3 

1.73 

30.9 

6.9 

4.5 

5.52 

120 

100 

16 

30.7 

1,100 

550 

11 

91.7 

5,460 

248 

92 

133 

8, ISO 

69 

1.3 

27.4 

1,630 

1.3 

.2 

.72 

44.3 

1.2 

.3 

.86 

52.9 

.9 

.4 

.50 

29.8 

4.8 

1.1 

2. 06 

127 

11 

4.2 

7.41 

440 

49 

11 

22. 5 

625 

37 

7.3 

17.5 

1,040 

84 

13 

44.5 

2,740 

32 

.4 

12.9 

768 

77 

.0 

5.03 

309 

30 

.1 

4.14 

255 

1.7 

1.0 

1.44 

86 




































































































174 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


DEWEESE CREEK NEAR ALCOVA, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 18, T. 27 N., R. 84 W., at Weaver’s ranch, near entrance of creek 

into Pathfinder reservoir, in Carbon County. 

Drainage area. —41 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale,. 

1:500,000). 

Records available. —March 4, 1917, to September 30, 1921. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 4.4 second-feet from 
Deweese Creek above station. 

Cooperation. —Complete records furnished by United States Reclamation Service.. 
Monthly discharge of Deweese Creek near Alcora , Wyo., for 1917-1921 . 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1917. 





March 4-11. 

14' 

0.2 

2.93 

163 

April. 

14 

1.0 

7.38 

439 


30 

1.5 

10.8 

664 

June. 

38 

14 

24.7 

1,470 


14 

.1 

2.85 

175 

August. 

.6 

.2 

.50 

30.7 

September. 

.6 

.4 

.55 

32.7 

The period. 




2,970 

1918. 




April. 

14 

1 

7.8 

464 

May. 

6 

1 

3.3 

203 


14 

1 

3.8 

226 

July. 

26 

1 

5.2 

320 

August. 

14 

1 

4.5 

277 

September. 

1 

1 

1.0 

60 

The period. 




1,550 

1919. 




April. 

2.7 

.2 

1.87 

111 

May. 

4.6 

.2 

1.92 

118 


.2 

.2 

.20 

12 


.2 

.1 

.11 

7 

August. 

.1 

.1 

.10 

6 

September. 

.1 

.1 

.10 

6 

The period. 




260 

1920. 


.. 



April. 

26 

.1 

12.1 

720 


38 

8.4 

20.2 

1,240 


38 

2.7 

21.5 

1,280 


2.7 

.1 

1.94 

119 

August. 

.1 

.1 

.10 

6 

September. 

.1 

.1 

.10 

6 

The period. 




3,370 

1921. 





20 

7 

14.1 

.839 


19 

14 

14.8 

910 


26 

14 

15.6 

928 


14 

1 

5.9 

363 

August. 

1 

1 

1.0 

61 

September. 

1 

1 

1.0 

60 

The period. 




3 160 







SAND CREEK NEAR ALCOVA, WYO. 

Location.— About sec. 25, T. 28 N., R. 85 W., at Weaver’s ranch, 20 miles southwest 
of Alcova, Carbon County. No tributary between station and Pathfinder reser¬ 
voir, flow line of which is half a mile below. 

Drainage area. —70 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale 
1:500,000). 






































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN 


175 


Records available.— March 23, 1915, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage.— Vertical staff. 

Diversions.— Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 28 second-feet from 
Sand Creek, all above station. 

Cooperation.— Complete records furnished by United States Reclamation Service. 


Monthly discharge of Sand Creek near Alcova, Wyo ., for 1915-1921. 


Month. 


1915. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July.> 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1916. 

April 3-30. 

May. 

June. 

July.. 

August. 

September 1-9. 

The period. 


1917. 

April 8-30... 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September..... 

The period. 


1918. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1919. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1920. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1921. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-olT in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

15.2 

0.1 

4.16 

248 

31.7 

0 

2.72 

167 

12.0 

0 

2.37 

141 

2.2 

0 

.19 

11.7 

5.5 

0 

.72 

44.3 

12.0 

0 

7.40 

440 




1,050 





24.8 

5.2 

14.3 

851 

24.8 

.7 

6. 97 

429 

10.2 

0 

3.88 

231 

.5 

0 

.39 

2.4 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 




1,510 





22 

5.4 

11.2 

511 

27 

0 

12.7 

781 

30 

2.5 

19.8 

1,180 

.9 

0 

.11 

6.8 

.3 

.1 

.16 

9.8 

. 5 

.3 

.47 

28.0 




2,520 





11 

2 

3.6 

214 

6 

0 

4.5 

277 

21 

0 

4.3 

256 

4 

2 

2.5 

154 

16 

2 

3.4 

209 

2 

2 

2.0 

119 




1,230 





11.4 

3.7 

5.32 

317 

6.6 

0 

2.13 

131 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 




448 

59 

1.0 

7. 53 

448 

12 

1.0 

2. 95 

181 

4.9 

. 1 

3.25 

193 

.2 

.1 

.10 

6 

1.3 

.1 

.94 

58 

.2 

.2 

.20 

12 




898 

12 

4 

5.9 

351 

12 

5 

11.1 

682 

12 

7 

11.2 

666 

7 

0 

3.8 

234 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

.9 

54 

_ 




1,990 




1 
































































































176 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


CANYON CREEK NEAR ALCOVA, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 2, T. 28 N., R. 84 W., at Irvine’s ranch, 12 miles southwest 
of Alcova, in Carbon County. No tributary between station and Pathfinder 
reservoir, flow line of which is 1 mile below. 

Drainage area.— 54 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 

1:500,000). 

Records available.— April 1, 1915, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage.— Vertical staff. 

Diversions.— Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 4 second-feet from 
Canyon Creek and 15 second-feet from tributaries entering above. 

Cooperation.— Complete records furnished by United States Reclamation Service. 



Monthly discharge of Canyon Creek near Alcova , Wyo. f for 1915-1921 . 


Month. 


1915. 

April.. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 

The period. 


March 5-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


1916. 


March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


The period 


1917. 


1917-18. 

October 1-21. 

April. 

May.. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1919. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1920. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

10.4 

1.2 

4.36 

259 

5.1 

0 

1.67 

103 

22.6 

.3 

5.03 

299 

3.5 

0 

.22 

13.5 

25.1 

0 

1.66 

102 

127 

.7 

8.66 

515 

1 



1,290 

1 _ _ 




62 

5.7 

^18.6 

996 

15.7 

7.0 

9. 75 

580 

10.9 

1.2 

4. 41 

271 

-v .6 

0 

.14 

8.3 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1.1 

>0 

.11 

6.8 

2.2 

. 5 

1.26 

75 




1,940 





52 

3.0 

7.44 

457 

77 

8.0 

29.4 

1,750 

40 

6.1 

17.1 

1,050 

29 

.1 

6.95 

414 

.3 

0 

.19 

11.7 

.3 

0 

.15 

9.2 

.5 

1 

.1 

.38 

22.6 

1 



3,710 

2 

.4 

.69 

28.7 

26 

5 

12.7 

756 

20 

1 

10.7 

658 

130 

1 

9.4 

559 

28 

1 

4.0 

246 

1 

0 

.5 

30.7 

3 

0 

1.0 

59.5 

9.4 i 

3.1 

6.27 

373 

5.1 

.1 

1.85 

114 

7.7 

0 

.54 

32 

1.1 

0 

.18 

11 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1.5 

0 

.20 

12 




542 




236 

7.2 

72.5 

4,310 

286 

5.9 

67.2 

4,130 

7.2 

.4 

3.04 

181 

3.2 1 

0 

1.92 

118 

2.9 ! 

0 

.54 

33 

3.4 

2.4 

2.68 

159 




8 Q30 



























































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


177 


Monthly discharge of Canyon Creel near Alcova , Wyo., for 1915-1921— Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1921. 






11 

4 

7.0 

417 


11 

1 

A 1 

o.-o 

■Tune. 

4 

1 

1.2 

71 


1 

o 

G 


August. 

2 

1 

1.1 

68 

September. 

1 

1 

1.0 

60 

The period. 




923 







HORSE CREEK NEAR ALCOVA, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 22, T. 30 N., R. 85 W., at highway bridge near BothwelPs 
ranch, 16 miles west of Alcova, Natrona County. No tributary between station 
and Pathfinder reservoir, flow line of which is half a mile below. 

Drainage area. —119 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —March 23, 1915, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Vertical staff at right bank at lower side of bridge. 

Diversions.— Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 11 second-feet from 
Horse Creek, all above station. 

Cooperation. —Complete records furnished by United States Reclamation Service. 

Monthly discharge of Horse Creel near Alcova, Wyo., for 1915-1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1915. 





March 23-31. 

10.8 

4.1 

7.04 

126 

April. 

10.2 

1.7 

3.32 

198 

May. 

6.6 

.6 

1.76 

108 

June. 

7.8 

.6 

2.28 

136 


1.1 

.6 

.82 

50.4 

August. 

32.7 

.9 

7.62 

469 

September. 

31.8 

1.1 

8. 82 

525 

The neriod. 




1,610 

1916. 





March 18-31. 

66.1 

3.9 

30.2 

839 

April. 

13.6 

.4 

3.53 

210 


1.7 

.4 

.84 

51.6 

June. 

1.7 

.4 

.72 

42.8 

The period. 




1,140 

1917. 





March 21-31. 

119 

10 

36.9 

805 

April. 

62 

.7 

13.7 

815 


7 

.2 

.72 

44.3 

June. 

.4 

.3 

.31 

18.4 


.6 

.4 

.49 

30.1 

August. 

.7 

.6 

.64 

39.4 

September. 

.7 

.7 

.70 

41.7 

The. neriod. . 




1,790 

1917-18. 




October 1-27. 

.8 

.7 

.8 

43 

April. 

62 

1 

15.3 

910 


2 

1 

1.0 

61 


32 

1 

3.0 

179 


1 

1 

1.0 

61 

August. 

1 

1 

1.0 

61 

.September. 

2 

1 

1.5 

89 






















































































178 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of Horse Creeh near Alcova, Wyo., for 1915 1921 Continued. 




Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 


Month. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

A r>ril 

1919. 

13.6 

2.2 

5.46 

325 


2.2 

1.0 

1.19 

73 


1 

1 

1.0 

60 


1 

1 

1.0 

61 

AllPmst. .. 

1 

1 

1.0 

61 

September. 

1 

1 

1.0 

60 





640 

A nril 

1920. 

' 

60 

7.1 

23.4 

1,400 


60 

4.6 

24.6 

1,510 


4.6 

3.0 

4.05 

241 

July . 

2.5 

2.0 

2.08 

128- 

August. ... 

3 

2 

2.4 

148 

Sftnt.fitnhpr . .. 

3 

3 

3.0 

179 







The period.... 





3,610 

A nril _ 

1921. 

3 

2 

2.4 

143 


4 

2 

2.9 

178 


30 

4 

6.3 

375 


3 

3 

3.0 

184 

August. 

3 

3 

3.0 

184 

Sftntember ..... 

3 

3 

3.0 

179 







Thp. nprinrl 





1,240 


. . 





HORSE CREEK. 

HORSE CREEK NEAR LAGRANGE. WYO. 

Location. —In SW. 1 SW. £ sec. 34, T. 20 N., R. 61 W., 2 miles southeast of Wye-Cross 
ranch and miles northwest of Lagrange, in Goshen County. Nearest tributary, 
Bear Creek, enters 2 miles below. 

Drainage area. —683 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —November 1, 1915, to March 31, 1920. 

Gage. —Gurley water-stage recorder on left bank 200 yards below Sherrod’s ranch 
house. 

Extremes or discharge. —1916-1920: Maximum stage recorded, 3.3 feet at 9 p. m. 
June 22, 1918 (discharge, 366 second-feet); minimum stage, 0.75 foot at 10.30 
p. m. July 12, 1916 (discharge, 5.5 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1,1919, adjudicated permits for diversions of 1,176 second- 
feet from Horse Creek above station and 84 second-feet below. 

Accuracy. —Gage heights from continuous record. Rating curves well defined. 
Records excellent except for periods affected by ice, for which they are fair. 

Monthly discharge of Horse Creek near Lagrange, Wyo., for 1916-1920. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

1915-16. 

November. 

64 

40 

51.2 

3,050 

December. 

64 

27 

49.9 

3)070 

January. 

59 

32 

43.0 

2,640 

February. 

85 

32 

59.3 

3,410 

March. 

70 

51 

57.6 

3)540 


48 

9 

25.9 

1)540 


13 

9 

10.7 

658 


10 

7 

8.6 

512 

July. 

11 

6 

7.1 

438 

August. 

14 

8 

10.9 

670 

September. 

15 

10 

13-7 

816 

The period. 

85 

6 

30.6 

20,300 

















































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 179 

Monthly discharge of Horse Creek near Lagrange , Wyo.Jor 1916-1920— Continued. 


Month. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


1916-17. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September_ 

The year 


1917-18. 


October. 

November.... 
December 1-14 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June 1-14. 


1918-19. 


1919-20. 

November 1-10. 

January. 

February. 

March. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

24 

9 

17.6 

1,080 

37 

14 

25.0 

1,490 

37 

23 

30.0 

1,840 

35 

20 

28.4 

1,750 

77 

22 

43.3 

2,400 

80 

28 

56.3 

3,460 

59 

14 

27.5 

1,640 

320 

12 

78.2 

4, 810 

332 

17 

127 

7,560 

39 

13 

21.3 

1,310 

41 

9 

22.0 

1,350 

57 

34 

40.6 

2,420 

332 

9 

42.9 

31,100 

46 

37 

41.1 

2,530 

44 

11 

206 

1, 230 

25 

9 

15.4 

947 

25 

11 

19.5 

1,200 

92 

25 

56.2 

3,120 

SI 

47 

64.1 

3,940 

58 

38 

47.7 

2,840 

35 

11 

21.0 

1,290 

114 

11 

30.4 

1,810 

73 

14 

30.3 

1,860 

60 

20 

39.3 

2,420 

58 

38 

45.2 

2,690 

114 

9 

35.7 

25,900 

50 

44 

46.8 

2,880 

56 

20 

44.2 

2,630 

57 

35 

48.0 

1,330 

58 

25 

43.3 

2,400 

58 

29 

49.7 

3,060 

64 

38 

52.5 

3,120 

34 

7 

12.9 

793 

12 

10 

10-7 

297 

23 

7 

11.8 

234 

62 

30 

48.0 

2,950 

55 

29 

43.2 

2,480 

64 

40 

48-3 

2,970 


MINOR STREAMS ENTERING THE NORTH PLATTE. 

BATES CREEK NEAR CASPER, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 12, T. 31 N., R. 82 W., near mouth of creek and 17 miles 
southwest of Casper, Natrona County. 

Drainage area. —383 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —April 10, 1916, to September 30, 1921. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 74 second-feet from 
Bates Creek and 26 second-feet from tributaries, all above station. 
Cooperation. —Complete records furnished by United States Reclamation Service. 





































































180 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of Bates Creek near Casper , Wyo ., for the years 1916 1921. 


Month. 


1916. 

April 10-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1917. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

The period. 


1918. 

April 16-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1919. 

April.. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1920. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1921. 

April. 4 . 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 



Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

f 

1 Minimum. 

Mean. 


135 

1 

49 

75.7 

3,150 


42 

0 

5.21 

320 


0 

0 

0 

0 


300 

0 

10.3 

633 


38 

.5 

5.13 

315 


9 

.5 

.82 

48.8- 


300 

0 

13.0 

4,470 


371 

8 

118 

7,020 


181 

24 

114 

7,010 


114 

.3 

38.7 

2,300 


4 

.2 

.53 

32.6 


.3 

.0 

.11 

6 . 8 





16,400 






113 

40 

67.4 

2,010 


340 

0 

111 

6,820 


4 

0 

.6 

36 


113 

1 

10.5 

646 


1 

1 

1.0 

61 


1 

1 

1.0 

60 





9,630 











• 319 

9 

53.8 

3,200 


50 

0 

5.3 

326 


0 

0 

0 

0 


0 

0 

0 

0 


0 

0 

0 

0 


0 

0 

0 

0 





3,530 






425 

3 

171 

10,200 


1,730 

165 

598 

36,800 


165 

1 

33.9 

2,020 


26 

0 

2.6 

160 


0 

0 

0 

0 


0 

• 0 

0 

0 





49 200 







74 

2 

16.7 

994 


200 

0 

46.3 

2,850 


425 

0 

16.9 

1,010 


S3 

0 

3.6 

221 


0 

0 

0 

0 


0 

0 

0 

0 





5 080 







DEER CREEK AT GLENROCK, WYO. 

Location. In sec. 4, T. 33 N., R. 75 W., near mouth of creek at Glenrock, in Con¬ 
verse County. 

Drainage area. 63 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— April 11, 1916, to May 11, 1921. 

Diversions. Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 49 second-feet from 
Deer Creek and 45 second-feet from tributaries, all above station. 
Cooperation.— Complete records furnished by United States Reclamation Service. 
























































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN 


181 


Monthly discharge of Deer Creek at Glenrock , Wyo. f for 1916-1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1916. 





April 11-30. 

439 

280 

379 

15,000 


436 

147 

253 

15! 600 


140 

.5 

32.8 

1,950 


132 

.3 

5.74 

353 

August. 

.2 

.2 

. 20 

12.3 

September. 

.3 

.2 

20 

11.9 

The period. 

439 

.2 

95.9 

32,900 

1917. 



-•- 


April. 

1,110 

205 

535 

31,800 


1,350 

166 

625 

38,400 


603 

80 

259 

15,400 


73 

3 

18.7 

1,150 

August. 

3 

2 

2.5 

' 152 

September. 

5 

4 

4.7 

278 

The period. 




87 200 

1918. 





April 14-30. 

1,050 

67 

336 

11,300 

May 1-11 . 

1,270 

350 

854 

18,600 

1919. 





April. 

540 

6 

201 

12,000 


323 

98 

201 

12,400 


104 

1 

42.9 

2 ,550 

July. 

0 

0 

0 

0 

August. 

2 

0 

.52 

32 

September. 

5 

2 

3.5 

208 

The period. 




27,200 

1920. 




April. 

488 

4 

97.1 

5,780 


2,030 

77 

1,100 

67,600 


127 

1 

35.4 

2,110 


44 

1 

9.7 

'596 

August. 

4 

1 

1.7 

105 

September. 

10 

3 

4.5 

268 

The period. 




76,500 

1921. 




April. 

314 

44 

164 

9,760 

May. 

480 

12 

258 

15,900 


205 

8 

65.3 

3,890 


3 

’ 1 

1.1 

68 

August. 

1 

1 

1.0 

61 

September. 

1 

1 

1.0 

60 

The period. 




29,700 






BOXELDER CREEK NEAR CAREYHURST, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 7, T. 33 N. } R. 73 W., near mouth of creek, miles east 
of Careyhurst, Converse County. 

Drainage area. —193 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1: 500,000). 

Records available. —May 17 to October 31, 1911; April 9, 1916, to September 30, 
1921. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 80 second-feet from 
Boxelder Creek and 52 second-feet from tributaries, all above station. 

Cooperation. —Beginning in 1916, complete records furnished by United States 
Reclamation Service. 














































































182 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Monthly discharge of Boxelder Creek near Careyhurst, Wyo.,for 1911, 1916-1921. 


May 17-31. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 

October. 


April 9-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


April. 

May.. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Run-cfl in 


Month. 


1911. 


1916. 


1917. 


1918. 


1919. 


1920. 


1921. 


Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

105 

54 

75.5 

2,250 

126 

1.5 

38.6 

2,300 

20 

0 

1.84 

113 

1.5 

0 

.07 

4 

.0 

0 

.0 

0 




4,670 

20 

0 

7.92 

487 

237 

124 

191 

8,330 

222 

70 

155 

9, 530 

70 

4.5 

16.1 

958 

4.5 

4.5 

4.5 

277 

4.5 

4.5 

4.5 

277 

4.5 

4.5 

4.5 

268 

237 

4.5 

56.5 

19,600 

423 

21 

104 

6,190 

1,150 

107 

545 

33,500 

870 

29 

365 

21,700 

25 

4 

9.6 

590 

4 

3 

3.5 

215 

4 

3 

3.4 

202 




62,400 




285 

64 

123 

7,320 

807 

161 

414 

25,500 

258 

4 

74.5 

4,430 

4 

4 

4.0 

246 

4 

4 

4.0 

246 

4 

4 

4.0 

238 




38.000 





248 

9 

75.9 

4,520 

119 

4 

34.4 

2,120 

4 

4 

4.0 

238 

4 

4 

4.0 

246 

4 

4 

4.0 

246 

4 

4 

4.0 

238 




7,610 




282 

4 

76.9 

4,580 

1,420 

102 

759 

46,700 

477 

12 

143 

8,510 

12 

4 

4.8 

295 

4 

4 

4.0 

246 

4 

4 

4.0 

238 




60,600 




111 

23 

52.4 

3,120 

397 

111 

265 

16,300 

297 

5 

42.0 

2,500 

111 

5 

14.2 

873 

9 

5 

5.4 

332 

5 

5 

5.0 

298 




9 *? ann 


















































































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


183 


LA PRELE CREEK NEAR DOUGLAS, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 6, T. 31 N., R. 73 W., just above high-water line of La Prele reser¬ 
voir, 16 miles southwest of Douglas, Converse County. Nearest tributary, an 
unnamed stream 1 mile above. 

Drainage area. —136 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— August 25, 1919, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Gurley water-stage recorder on right bank. 

Extremes of discharge —1920-1921: Maximum stage from high-water mark of May 
11, 1920, 11.4 feet (discharge, 1,220 second-feet); minimum stage, 3.29 feet on 
October 2, 1919 (discharge, 0.4 second-foot). 

Diversions.— Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 42 second-feet from 
La Prele Creek above station and 51 second-feet from tributaries above. Below 
station, diversions of 36 second-feet from creek. 

Accuracy. —Gage heights from continuous record. Rating curves fairly well defined. 
Records good except during winter, for which they are fair. 

Monthly discharge of La Prele Creek near Douglas, Wyo.,for 1919-1921. 


Month. 


1919. 

August 25-31.. 

September.. 


1919- 20. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January... 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July... 

August. 

September. 

The year. 

1920- 21. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April.. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. . . 

The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

0.5 

0.3 

0.37 

5 

.5 

.3 

.42 

25 

5.0 

.4 

1.81 

111 

6.7 

2.0 

5.25 

312 

8 

1 

2.90 

178 

10 

2 

5.74 

353 

15 

1.1 

6.63 

381 

18 

1.0 

10.3 

633 

134 

11 

69.4 

4,130 

900 

205 

511 

31,400 

312 

10 

75.9 

4,520 

17 

6 

10.5 

646 

8 

2.6 

4.54 

279 

6 

3.4 

•4.63 

276 

900 

.4 

59.5 

43,200 

9.7 

3.9 

5.83 

358 

10.0 

7.0 

8.48 

505 



8.1 

498 



12.3 

756 



11.8 

655 

38 

9.0 

16.2 

996 

134 

17 

40.3 

2,400 

355 

114 

167 

10,300 

114 

19 

46.3 

2,760 

26 

3.4 

9.53 

586 

12 

2.0 

4.60 

283 

2.9 

1.4 

2.02 

120 

355 

1.4 

27.9 

20,200 


LA PRELE CREEK NEAR FETTERMAN, WYO. 


Location.— About sec. 9, T. 33 N., R. 72 W., near mouth of creek 4 miles from Fet- 
terman, in Converse County. 

Drainage area.— 227 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— April 23 to August 5, 1916; April 1 to September 30, 1918. 
Diversions.— Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 73 second-feet 
from La Prele Creek, all above station. 

Cooperation.— Complete records furnished by United States Reclamation Service. 


105707—23 —wsp 469-13 


























































184 * SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of La Prele Creek near Fetter-man, Wyo.,for 1916 and 1918. 




' 

Month. 

,*•.; r \ ; 'f Jf\ '•< • A , . . ,. 4 , 

Discharge in seconc 

Maximum. Minimum. 

l-feet. 

Mean. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

1916. 





April 23-30. 

62 

25 

38.1 

605 


118 

62 

101 

6,210 


71 

5.0 

12.9 

768 


25 

3.7 

6.65 

409 

August 1-5. 

3.7 

3.0 

3.26 

32.3 

The period. 

118 

3.0 

38.4 

8,020 

1918. 





April. 

54 

8 

19.3 

1,150 


437 

70 

197 

12,100 

June. 

122 

4 

27.6 

1,640 

July. 

18 

6 

8.7 

535 

August. 

6 

2 

3.4 

209 

September . 

6 

2 

3.5 

208 

The period. 




15,800 






WAGON HOUND CREEK NEAR LABONTE, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 16, T. 31 N., R. 71 W., near mouth of creek at Eastman’s 
ranch, 3 miles east of Labonte, Converse County. 

Drainage area. —145 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
' 1:500,000). 

Records available. —April 11, 1916, to September 30, 1921. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 25 second-feet from 
Wagon Hound Creek and 12 second-feet from tributaries, all above station. 
Cooperation. —Complete records furnished by United States Reclamation Service. 

Monthly discharge of Wagon Hound Creek near Labonte, Wyo.,for 1916-1921. 


• Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1916. 

April. 

99.5 

40.0 

5.5 

69.0 

5.5 

1.0 

8.5 

.2 

1.0 

1.0 

1.0 

.2 

58.7 

5.76 
1.28 
3.90 
1.15 
.23 

2,330 
354 
76.2 
240 

70.7 

13.7 

August. 

September. 

The period. 

1917. 

April 17-30. 

99.5 

.2 

8.99 

3,080 

165 

342 

221 

3 

.2 

.2 

48 

92 

3 

1 

.2 

.2 

109 

197 

64.2 

1.45 

.20 

.20 

3,020 

12,100 
3,820 

89 

12.3 

11.9 




August. 

September. 

The period. 




19,100 





1918. 

April. 

141 

87 

96 

96 

141 

28 

0 

0 

0 

0 

64.1 

36.6 

4.4 

4.5 

5.6 

3,810 

2,250 

262 

277 

344 




August. 

The period. 




6,940 





















































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 185 

Monthly discharge of Wagon Hound Creek near Labonte , Wyo ., for 1916-1921 —Contd. 


Discharge in second-feet. 



Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

1919. 

April. 

122 

20 

2 

29 

1 

0 

5 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

. 

36.7 

1.77 

37 

.94 

.03 

0 

2,180 
109 
22 
58 
2 
0 




August. 

September. 

The period. 




2,370 

1920. 

April. 




359 

907 

311 

5 

138 

1 

li 

1 

1 

1 

1 

108 

462 

22.4 

3.1 

10.3 

1.0 

-. 

6,430 
28,400 
1,330 
191 
633 
60 


June. 


August. 

September. 

The period. 




37,000 

1921. 

April. 




72 

367 

97 

79 

1 

1 

1 

5 

7 

1 

1 

1 

13.8 

44.3 

27.2 

4.4 

i n 

821 

2,720 

1,620 

271 

ai 


Juiie. 


August. 

September. 

in en 

The period. 

A • V/ 





5, 550 






LABONTE CREEK NEAR LABONTE, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 15, T. 31 N., R. 71 W., at Soden’s ranch near mouth of creek, 
2 miles east of Labonte, in Converse County. 

Drainage area. —270 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —April 12, 1916, to September 30, 1921. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 43 second-feet from 
Labonte Creek and 16 second-feet from tributaries, all above station. 
Cooperation. —Complete records furnished by United States Reclamation Service. 

Monthly discharge of Labonte Creek near Labonte , Wyo., for 1916-1921. 


N 

Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1916. 





April.*.. 

343 

269 

309 

11,600 


257 

68 

152 

9,350 


61 

1.6 

22.8 

l, 360 

July. 

4.0 

1.5 

1.59 

97.8 

August. 

1.5 

1.0 

1.35 

83.0 

September. 

.8 

.3 

.54 

32.1 

The period. 

343 

.3 

66.2 

22,500 

1917. 





April 6-30. 

635 

37 

239 

11,900 


1,750 

242 

805 

49,500 


1,120 

36 

425 

25^ 300 

July. 

29 

0 

6.1 

375 

August. 

1 

0 

.3 

18.4 

September. 

1 

0 

.3 

17.9 

The neriod .. 




87,100 































































































186 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of Labonte Creek near Labonte, Wyo ., for 1916-1921 Continued. 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


Month. 


1918. 


1919. 


1920. 


1921. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

595 

195 

342 

20,400 

697 

113 

391 

24,000 

122 

10 

43.6 

2,590 

130 

5 

22.6 

1,390 

75 

0 

3.4 

209 

2 

0 

1.0 

60 




48,700 




381 

30 

162 

9,640 

226 

2 

64 

3,960 

683 

1 

30.4 

1,810 

309 

1 

18.9 

1,160 

28 

1 

5.1 

314 

1 

1 

1.0 

60 




16,900 




355 

20 

161 

9,580 

2,500 

355 

1,070 

65,800 

315 

45 

113 

6,720 

103 

45 

58, 4 

3,590 

70 

55 

58.9 

3,620 

70 

5 

15.0 

893 




90,200 





305 

37 

123 

7,320 

411 i 

124 

233 

14,300 

124 

31 

81.0 

4,820 

51 1 

12 

18.5 

1,140 

14 

3 

9.0 

553 

9 

9 

9.0 

536 




28 700 






HORSESHOE CREEK NEAR GLENDO, WYO. 


Location. —About sec. 26, T. 29 N., R. 68 W., at Hauf’s ranch, near mouth of creek 
4 miles southeast of Glendo, in Platte County. 

Drainage area. —203 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available— April 16, 1916, to September 30, 1919; April 1 to September 
30, 1921. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 86 second-feet from 
Horseshoe Creek and 6 second-feet from tributaries, all above station. 
Cooperation. —Complete records furnished by United States Reclamation Service. 

Monthly discharge of Horseshoe Creek near Glendo , Wyo., for 1916 - 1919 , 1921 . 



Month . 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 



Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

April 16-30. 

1916. 

134 

109 

119 


3,630 

1,780 

348 

163 

149 


IQ 

1 22 

June. 

IQ 

9 n 

2o. y 


9 0 

o. U 

9 ^ 

o. o5 

August. 

2.5 

O 

2.4 

2 m Od 

2.43 































































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 187 

Monthly discharge of Horseshoe Creek near Glendo, Wyo., for 1916-1919, 1921 —Contd. 


Month. 


1917. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1918. 

April. 

May.. 

June.. 

July.. 

August.. 

September. 

The period. 


1919. 

April. 

May.. 

June. 

July. 

August.. 

September.. 

The period. 


1921. 

April. 

May.. 

June. 

July.. 

August.. 

September.. 

The period.. 


Discharge in second-feet. 





Run-off in 




acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 


232 

24 

118 

7,020 

1,040 

123 

455 

28,000 

943 

45 

356 

21,200 

45 

12 

23.1 

1,420 

9 

2 

4.5 

277 

2 

2 

2.0 

119 




58 000 





200 

27 

127 

7,560 

257 

82 

174 

10,700 

290 

2 

86.9 

5,170 

2 

0 

. 5 

31 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 




23,500 





161 

5 

99.1 

5,900 

122 

14 

56.9 

3,500 

12 

0 

1.8 

107 

141 

0 

6.0 

369 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 




9,880 





97 

7 

42.8 

2,550 

230 

41 

107 

6,580 

740 

35 

125 

7,440 

41 

1 

7.2 

443 

1 

1 

1.0 

61 

1 

1 

1.0 

60 




17,100 






COTTONWOOD CREEK NEAR WENDOVER, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 16, T. 27 N., R. 67 W., near mouth of creek, miles south 
of Wendover, in Platte County. 

Drainage area. —150 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —April 19, 1916, to September 30, 1921. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 32 second-feet from 
Cottonwood Creek and 4 second-feet from tributaries, all above station. 
Cooperation. —Complete records furnished by United States Reclamation Service. 

Monthly discharge of Cottonwood Creek near Wendover, Wyo., for 1916-1921. 


Month. 


1916. 

April 19-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 

The period. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Run-off in 


Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

23.8 

4.6 

13.8 

328 

11.7 

3. 5 

5.90 

363 

150 

5.0 

11.9 

708 

5.0 

3.7 

3.94 

242 

62.6 

.9 

3.54 

218 

2.0 

1.3 

1.73 

103 

150 

.9 

5.99 

1,960 





















































































188 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of Cottonwood Creeknear Wendover, Wyo., for 1916-1921 —rContinued. 


April 5-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


The period 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


Month. 


1917. 


1918. 


1919. 


1920. 


1921. 


Discharge in second-feet. 





Run-offhn 




acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 


22.8 

4.4 

9.36 

482 

445 

24 

152 

9,350 

340 

11 

112 

6,660 

18 

2.0 

4. 97 

306 

2.4 

1.8 

2.10 

129 

3.0 

2.2 

2.53 

151 




17,100 

r‘ 




36 

3 

8.5 

506 

117 

6 

25.1 

1,540 

106 

4 

20.8 

1,240 

7 

2 

4.3 

264 

7 

2 

2.2 

135 

2 

2 

2.0 

119 




3,800 




3.8 

2.6 

3.00 

179 

3.5 

3.2 

3.41 

210 

3. 5 

.2 

1.86 

111 

.2 

.2 

.20 

12 

.2 

.2 

.20 

12 

.2 

.2 

.20 

12 




'536 




27 

2 

2.8 

16 

396 

14 

145 

8,920 

15 

3 

6. 5 

387 

4 

2 

3.4 

209 

116 

2 

5.8 

357 

2 

2 

2.0 

119 




10,200 




3 

1 

1.9 

113 

184 

2 

8.5 

523 

427 

12 

113 

6,720 

9 

1 

3.1 

191 

2 

1 

1.4 

86 

7 

3 

6.1 

363 




8,000 

i 




IRRIGATION. 

PRESENT DEVELOPMENT. 

COLORADO. 

In North Park, Colo., which embraces the headwater portion of 
the basin, the North Platte and its headwater streams are used to 
irrigate the pastures and hay meadows that occupy the greater part 
of all the stream valleys. Owing to the high altitude of the park 
(7,800 feet) the growing season is short, and irrigation is confined 
chiefly to native hay and pasturage. The summer range in the 
forests is almost entirely utilized, and the further expansion of the 
stock-raising industry will depend upon additional forage crops. 
Extensions and enlargements of ditches are gradually covering the 












































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


189 


sagebrush bench lands, which are turned into meadows by a heavy 
application of water for several years. Bottom meadow lands com¬ 
prise 70,000 acres of the 110,000 acres irrigated in 1921. 

WYOMING. 

It is impossible to state accurately the area irrigated in the Wyom- 
ing part of the basin, as no actual survey has been made. An idea 
of the extent of irrigation may be obtained from the following table: 

Areas covered by adjudicated ditches and completed ditches not yet adjudicated in North 
Platte basin, exclusive of the Laramie, in Wyoming, in acres. 

[Compiled from Fourteenth Biennial Report of State engineer.] 


Stream. 


North Platte River. 

Big Creek and tributaries. 

French Creek and tributaries. 

Brush Creek and tributaries. 

Beaver Creek and tributaries. 

Encampment River and tributaries. 

Spring Creek and tributaries. 

Jack Creek and tributaries. 

Pass Creek and tributaries. 

Medicine Bow. 

Rock Creek and tributaries. 

Little Medicine Bow and tributaries 

Sweetwater and tributaries. 

Bates Creek and tributaries. 

Muddy Creek and tributaries 

Deer Creek and tributaries. 

Boxelder Creek and tributaries. 

La Prele Creek and tributaries. 

Labonte Creek and tributaries. 

Horseshoe Creek and tributaries_ 

Cottonwood Creek and tributaries... 

Rawhide Creek and tributaries. 

Horse Creek and tributaries.. 


Adjudi¬ 
cated (in¬ 
cluding 
territorial 
rights). 

Com¬ 
pleted but 
not adju¬ 
dicated. 

Total. 

34,356 

24.190 

58,546 

8,525 

872 

9,397 

663 

12 

675 

9,532 

10,465 

19,997 

5,312 

1,486 

' 6,798 

9,095 

787 

9, S82 

15,554 

4,683 

20,237 

7,763 

330 

8,093 

15,422 

928 

16,350 

19,163 

1,044 

20,207 

68,466 

2,369 

70,835 

36,130 

3,398 

39,528 

19,438 

12,411 

31,849 

6,450 

6,166 

12,616 

7,076 

518 

7,594 

5,598 

3,719 

9,317 

7,950 

2,846 

10,796 

7,924 

38,288 

46,212 

5,559 

2,009 

7,568 

5,705 

822 

6,527 

2,332 

293 

2,625 

4,355 

1,877 

6,232 

18,637 

5,127 

23,764 

321,005 

124,640 

445,645 


• ' 


The largest area is near Saratoga and comprises valley lands of the 
North Platte and its tributaries* Other large areas are in the val¬ 
leys of the Medicine Bow and its tributaries and in the lower North 
Platte Valley near the State line. 

Most of the irrigation is done by means of individual and coopera¬ 
tive ditches, which divert water directly from the streams without 
storage. The only projects of any considerable magnitude are the 
North Platte project of the United States Reclamation Service, the 
Rock Creek project of the Rock Creek Conservation Co., the La Prele 
project, the Hawk Springs project, and the High Line or Platte Valley 
project, which is under construction. 

Under the North Platte project the Reclamation Service stores 
water in the Pathfinder reservoir, in central Wyoming, 50 miles 
southwest of Casper, and diverts it at the Whalen dam, in T. 26 N., 
R. 64 W., for irrigation in eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska. 
The Pathfinder reservoir is formed by the Pathfinder dam, which is 
















































190 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

in a deep, narrow gorge 3 miles below the junction of North Platte 
and Sweetwater rivers. The dam is of the masonry-arch type, 218 
feet high and 432 feet long at the crest. A quarter of a mile south 
of the dam a gap in the river is closed by an earth dike 1,650 feet 
long, with a maximum height of 40 feet. There is an outlet tunnel 
driven through granite on each side of the river, and in addition the 
crest of the dam itself is designed for use as a spillway. The dam 
backs water up the North Platte for a distance of 20 miles and up 
the Sweetwater for 15 miles, forming the reservoir, which has an 
area of 22,700 acres and a capacity of 1,070,000 acre-feet. 

The Whalen diversion dam is a concrete weir 300 feet long with 
a maximum height of 29 feet. At each end of the dam are two 
sluice gates each 5 feet 9 inches wide and 6 feet high. Beyond 
the sluice gates and at right angles to the dam are at the north 
end the headwaters of the Interstate canal and at the south end the 
Fort Laramie canal. The Interstate canal, which has a capacity of 
1,400 second-feet, irrigates 130,000 acres, of which 20,000 acres is in 
Wyoming. The Fort Laramie canal has a capacity of 1,435 second- 
feet and is designed to irrigate 100,000 acres in Wyoming and Ne¬ 
braska. During 1921 the Fort Laramie canal was prepared to 
irrigate 16,000 acres, all in Wyoming. 

The irrigation season on the North Platte project is from April 1 
to September 30, and the duty of water is 2.5 acre-feet per acre at the 
farm. The chief crops are alfalfa, cereals, corn, sugar beets, and 
potatoes. 

The project owned by the Rock Creek Conservation Co. comprises 
33,000 acres west of Rock Creek, chiefly in Tps. 21 and 22, R. 76 W. 
Water is diverted from Rock Creek and its tributaries. One reservoir 
having a capacity of 2,480 acre-feet has been built, and other reser¬ 
voirs, the largest of which is Bosier reservoir, are contemplated as 
required. During 1921, about 3,000 acres was irrigated from this 
project. 

The Douglas Reservoir Co., which acquired the rights of the 
original company, has a project to irrigate 11,000 acres east of the 
lower end of La Prele Creek between that stream and the North 
Platte. A reservoir in secs. 28 and 33, T. 32 N., R. 73 W., having a 
capacity of 20,000 acre-feet, is formed by a concrete dam of the 
Ambursen arch type, 135 feet high and 285 feet long. The radius 
of the crest is 200 feet. During 1921 about 8,000 acres was irrigated. 
The chief crop is alfalfa. 

The Hawk Springs Development Co. has a project covering about 
12,000 acres, chiefly in Tps. 21 and 22 N., R. 62 W. Water is diverted 
from Horse Creek and stored in the Hawk Springs reservoir, which is 
in secs. 9, 10, 15, and 16, T. 20 N., R. 61 W. Four earth dams 
ranging in height from 8 to 64 feet and having a combined crest 


NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


191 


length of 9,000 feet create a reservoir that has an area of 1,530 acres 
and a capacity of 19,400 acre-feet. From the reservoir a main supply 
ditch and laterals irrigate the land. During 1921, 3,000 acres were 
irrigated. 

Construction was begun in 1918 on the High Line or Platte Valley 
project to reclaim 10,000 acres in the North Platte Valley east of 
Saratoga. Water is to be diverted from French and Brush creeks, 
and storage is contemplated in a system of reservoirs either on Brush 
Creek or adjacent to it. Very little construction work had been done 
up to 1921. 

Between the Pathfinder reservoir and Whalen are nine small 
pumping plants, six of which are near Casper. The pumps are either 
electrically driven or operated by gas engines. The duty of the 
plants ranges from 1 to 1.5 acre-feet to an acre. Several water wheels 
are used to divert water between Douglas and Guernsey, but they 
are frequently washed out by high water. 


FUTURE DEVELOPMENT. 

COLORADO. 

The floor of North Park is so level that a large part of it can be 
irrigated if sufficient water is available, but it is impossible to state 
the exact amount needed. Two projects, one partly constructed, 
will irrigate 23,000 acres. 

The Jackson County project covers about 11,000 acres lying north 
of Michigan River in Tps. 8 and 9 N., R. 78 W., and T. 9 N., R. 79 W., 
which will be irrigated by a recently constructed ditch diverting 
water from Michigan River in sec. 36, T. 8 N., R. 78 W. 

The Walden ditch and reservoir project will irrigate 12,000 acres 
northwest of Walden, between North Platte and Michigan rivers. 
Storage is to be provided by a reservoir of 36,000 acre-feet capacity, 
2 miles southwest of Walden. The project has been surveyed, but no 
construction work has been done. 


WYOMING. 


Investigation by the United States Reclamation Service and the 
State of Wyoming show the following possible projects: 


Possible irrigation 'projects in Wyoming. 


Name. 


Casteel. 

Saratoga and Encampment. 

Sierra Madre. 

Pass Creek flats. 

Medicine Bow.j 

Pumping units. 

Casper canal.j 


Location. 


Both sides of Big Creek. 

West side of North Platte north of Spring Creek 

West of Saratoga. 

Between Lake and Pass creeks. 

West of Medicine Bow. 

Below Alcova. 

Vicinity of Casper. 


Source of water 
supply. 

Area 

(acres). 

Big Creek. 

25,000 
35,000 

North Platte. 

Jack Creek. 

10,000 
35,000 
15,000 
36,000 
120,000 

North Platte. 

Medicine Bow. 

North Platte. 

.do. 



276,000 



























192 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


The Casteel project contemplates the irrigation of 25,000 acres 
lying on both sides of Big Creek above the area included in the Sara¬ 
toga and Encampment project. It is proposed to divert water from 
Big Creek 2 miles above the mouth of the canyon. Storage amount¬ 
ing to 20,000 acre-feet is contemplated. 

The Saratoga and Encampment project covers an area west of 
the North Platte, extending from a point opposite French Creek 
northwestward to Spring Creek. Water is to be diverted from the 
east side of North Platte River in or near sec. 17, T. 13 N., R. 80 W., 
and carried across the river by pipe line above French Creek. 

The Sierra Madre project covers land lying southwest of Saratoga 
between Jack and North Spring creeks. The area susceptible of 
irrigation from the waters of these creeks comprises 10,000 acres, 
but as both streams are heavily appropriated storage of flood waters 
will be necessary. Surveys for the project, which was started under 
the Carey Act show three reservoir sites known as the Sierra Ivladre, 
Matheson, and Canyon sites, of 33,460 acre-feet capacity. 

On the Pass Creek flats it is proposed to irrigate 35,000 acres lying 
between Lake Creek and Pass Creek, just south of Walcott. Of this 
area 27,000 acres is on the flats and 8,000 acres between Lake Creek 
and the flats. The point of diversion is on the west side of North 
Platte River 3 miles above the mouth of Brush Creek. 

The Medicine Bow project will irrigate 15,000 acres south of the 
Union Pacific Railroad near Medicine Bow. The water supply is 
to be diverted from Medicine Bow River in or near sec. 11, T. 20 N., 
R. 80 W. and stored in the proposed Halleck reservoir. 

Between the Pathfinder reservoir and the Whalen dam 10 pump¬ 
ing units are proposed to irrigate 36,000 acres. 

The State engineer has surveyed a possible project in the vicinity 
of Casper. From a point of diversion near Alcova it is proposed to 
construct a canal leading north to Casper Creek and thence eastward 
nearly to the North Platte, irrigating all the arable land between the 
canal and the river. The area covered by the proposed canal is about 
120,000 acres. 

WATER SUPPLY. 

MEDIAN YEAR. 

For determining the discharge of North Platte River for the median 
year records at Pathfinder since 1904 are available. The Reclama¬ 
tion Service, which compiled the records, has corrected them for 
storage since 1909, when the Pathfinder reservoir first stored water. 


NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


193 


Yearly discharge of North Platte River , 1904-1921 , and percentage to discharge of median 

year. 


1 

Year. 

Total 

(acre-feet). 

Percentage 
of median 
year (1906). 


1904. 

1,160.000 

84 ! 

1Q13 

1905. 

1,190,000 

S6 

1914 

1906. 

1,390,000 

100 

1915 

1907. 

1,790,000 

129 

1916 

1908. 

910,000 

65 

1917 

1909. 

2,430,000 

175 

1918 

1910. 

854,000 

61 

1919 

1911. 

1,150,000 

S3 

1920 

1912. 

1,880,000 

135 

1921 


Year. 




Total 

(acre-feet). 


Percentage 
of median 
year (1906). 


1,200,000 I 86 

1,560,000 112 

891,000 64 

1,240,000 89 

2,380,000 171 

1,540,000 111 

857,000 : 62 

1,870,000 134 

1,780,000 I 128 


WATER AVAILABLE FOR IRRIGATION, 

The record at the diversion dam at Whalen shows the discharge 
available for irrigation under the Reclamation Service project and 
also for the use of canals in Nebraska. Although Laramie River 
enters the North Platte below Whalen, it can not be counted upon 
to supply water for Nebraska irrigators, as existing systems when 
fully developed will take practically the entire discharge. All the 
future irrigation development described will divert water above 
Whalen, and the effect will be measured at that point. 

Owing to storage in the Pathfinder reservoir, the mean flow rather 
than the median flow at Whalen will represent the discharge avail¬ 
able for irrigation. The mean of the 12-year record above Whalen 
(1910 to 1921) is 1,620,000 acre-feet. The mean for the period 1904 
to 1921, as shown by the Pathfinder records, is 101 per cent of the 
mean for 1910-1921, or 1,630,000 acre-feet above Wlialen. 

EFFECT OF FURTHER DEVELOPMENT. 

If the projects above outlined are completed, the irrigated area 
will be increased by 23,000 acres in Colorado and 276,000 acres in 
Wyoming, or 299,000 acres in all. With a consumptive duty of 1.5 
acre-feet to an acre, the mean discharge above Whalen will be reduced 
450,000 acre-feet, or to 1,180,000 acre-feet. 

TRANSMOUNTAIN DIVERSIONS. 

Two ditches divert water from that part of the North Platte 
basin not drained by Laramie River—the Rist & McNab ditch, 
owned by the North Poudre Irrigation Co., and the Cameron Pass 
ditch, owned by the Water S.upply & Storage Co. 

The Rist & McNab ditch is 2 \ miles long and has a capacity of 
50 second-feet. It diverts water from Middle Fork of Michigan 
River at an elevation of 10,300 feet in sec. 12, T. 6 N., R. 76 W., and 
carries it over Cameron Pass into Joe Wright Creek, a tributary of 
the Cache la Poudre flowing through Chambers Lake. The area 






































194 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


intercepted by the ditch is 3.7 square miles ranging in altitude 
from 10,300 to 12,800 feet. The Cameron Pass ditch, which has 
a capacity of 10 second-feet, diverts water from the tributaries of 
Middle Fork in sec. 2, T. 6 N., R. 76 W., and parallels the Rist & Mc- 
Nab ditch across Cameron Pass to Joe Wright Creek. The drainage 
area intercepted is very small. 

Other transmountain diversions have been considered but have not 
been built, because of the small drainage area available and the 
heavy cost of construction. 

The following table shows the annual amount diverted by the 
Rist & McNab ditch. The original records represent average weekly 
flow, and although they do not have a high degree of accuracy they 
are believed to be fairly accurate. The Cameron Pass ditch diverts 
about 300 acre-feet annually. 

Annual amount diverted by Rist & McNab ditch, in acre-feet. 


1905.. 

. 861 

1906.. 

. 1,920 

1907.. 

. 3,980 

1908. 

. 4,120 

1909. 

. 3,750 

1910. 

. 2,310 


1911. 

. 2,840 

1912. 

. 4,750 

1913. 

. 3,750 

1914. 

. 2,440 

1915. 

. 2,270 

1916. 

. 6, 500 


1917. 

. 713 

1918. 

.2,660 

1919. 

. 2,660 

1920. 

.3,840 

1921. 

. 2,720 

Mean. 

.3,060 


WATER POWER. 


DEVELOPED POWER. 

Except for a small amount of power used to operate the gates at 
the Pathfinder dam, the only developed power on North Platte River 
is that of the plant of the United States Reclamation Service near 
Lingle. The old plant formerly in operation on Encampment River 
at Encampment has been dismantled. 

The Lingle plant, which was built to furnish power for excavating 
the canals on the North Platte project, has been retained permanently 
and furnishes light and power to Lingle and Torrington, Wyo., and 
Morrell and Mitchell, Nebr., all project towns. The power plant, 
in sec. 25, T. 25 N., R. 62 W., 2 miles southwest of Lingle, receives 
water from the Fort Laramie irrigation canal. A 54-inch wood- 
stave pipe of 150 second-feet capacity supplies water to two 24-inch 
Trump wheels developing 450 horsepower each under a 110-foot 
head. Each turbine is direct connected to a 375-kilovolt-ampere 
Allis-Chalmers generator at 2,300 volts. The power is transmitted 
at 33,000 volts by 52 miles of single-circuit line. 

UNDEVELOPED POWER. 

NORTH PLATTE RIVER. 

Profile of river .—The following table has been compiled from 
topographic maps and other sources: 






















NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 

Elevations and distances along North Platte River from source to mouth. 


195 


Point on river. 

Distance (miles). 

Eleva¬ 
tion 
above 
sea level 
(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

From 

source. 

Point to 
point. 

Total. 

Per mile. 

Source of North Fork, near Red Elephant Mountain.. 

0 


11,000 



Boetcher ranch. 

9 

9 

8,310 

2 690 

300 

Highway bridge west of Cowdrey. 

37 

28 

7,870 

440 

16 

Mouth of Canadian River. 

39 

2 

7,850 

20 

10 

Mouth of Douglas Creek. 

64 

25 

7,410 

440 

18 

Mouth of Mullen Creek. 

69 

5 

7' 370 

40 

g 

Mouth of Big Creek. 

74 

5 

1 ,300 

70 

14 

Mouth of Brush Creek. 

90 

16 

7,050 

250 

16 

Saratoga. 

102 

12 

6,775 

275 

23 

Mouth of Jack Creek. 

108 

6 

6,730 

45 

$ 

Mouth of Pass Creek. 

136 

28 

6,550 

180 

8 

Fort Steele. 

145 

9 

6.470 

80 

9 

Sec. 33, T. 23 N., R. 84 W. 

184 

39 

6,330 

140 

4 

Sec. 35, T. 24 N., R. 84 W. 

196 

12 

6,280 

50 

4 

Mouth of Medicine Bow River. 

201 

5 

6,240 

40 

8 

Sec. 10, T. 24 N., R. 84 W. 

203 

2 

6,230 

10 

5 

Line between secs. 9 and 16, T. 25 N., R. 85 W., head 






of canyon. 

213 

10 

6,180 

50 

5 


215 

2 

6,162 

18 

9 

Head of upper falls in Seminoe Canyon. 

217 

2 

6,016 

146 

73 

Foot of lower falls in Seminoe Canyon. 


i 

5,945 

71 


Upper end Pathfinder reservoir (sec. 9, T. 26 N., R. 





84 W.)... 

221 

4 

5,850 

95 

24 

Spillway of Pathfinder dam. 

239 

18 

5,850 

0 

0 

Water level at foot of dam. 

239 

0 

5,665 

185 


Alcova. 

255 

16 

5,330 

335 

21 

Mouth of Coal Creek. 

281 

26 

5,195 

135 

5 

Casper. 

297 

16 

5,110 

85 

5 

Glenrock. 

325 

28 

5,000 

110 

4 

Douglas. 

358 

33 

4.800 

200 

6 

Orin Junction. 

376 

18 

4,680 

120 

7 

Cassa. 

405 

29 

4,480 

200 

7 

Guernsey. 

431 

26 

4,350 

130 

5 

Mouth of Laramie River. 

449 

18 

4,210 

140 

8 

Mouth of Boxelder Creek. 

472 

23 

4,080 

130 

6 

Wyoming-Nebraska line. 

480 

8 

4,040 

40 

5 

Bridge north of Gering. 

506 

26 

3,870 

170 

7 

Bridgeport. 

536 

30 

3,680 

190 

6 

Bridge south of Oshkosh. 

573 

37 

3,370 

310 

8 

Bridge north of Ogalalla. 

609 

36 

3,145 

225 

6 

Mouth ofBirdwood Creek. 

645 

36 

2,915 

230 

6 

Junction with South Platte. 

667 

22 

2,760 

155 

7 


A study of this table shows that the heaviest fall is in Seminoe 
Canyon, the possibilities of which are discussed on page 197. Between 
the mouth of Big Creek and Saratoga, a distance of 28 miles, there is 
a total fall of 525 feet. As the river flows through a canyon or narrow 
valley for the greater part of that distance, it is impossible to equalize 
the flow by storage, so that only the natural run-off would be avail¬ 
able for power. This run-off frequently drops to 250 second-feet 
or even less in winter at the lower end of the section, as shown by the 
Saratoga records. 

Below the Pathfinder reservoir there is a fall of about 335 feet 
from the foot of the Pathfinder dam to Alcova, a distance of 16 miles. 
As the Pathfinder reservoir is operated wholly in the interest of 
irrigation, and as practically all the flow is stored during the winter, 
it is impracticable to generate power at this site. 

From Alcova to the mouth of the river in Nebraska the fall ranges 
between 4 and 8 feet to a mile, which is too slight to permit any 
except low-head developments. 






























































196 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

Without storage the value for power of the North Platte is small, 
as the fall is inadequate to develop any considerable amount of 
power by direct diversion. With storage, two opportunities are 
afforded for the development of a great amount of power—one in 
North Park, Colo., and the other in Seminoe Canyon, south of the 
Pathfinder reservoir, in Wyoming. Both sites have been surveyed 
in more or less detail, enabling a detailed study of storage to be made. 

North Park .—The North Park reservoir site lies in Jackson County, 
Colo., just south of the Colorado-Wyoming line. It was surveyed 
by the State of Wyoming in 1916. A dam 220 feet high and 850 feet 
long in sec. 26, T. 12 N., R. 80 W., would form a reservoir having a 
capacity of 1,500,000 acre-feet. 

The report of this survey states that if the outlet of the reservoir 
were placed at an elevation of 200 feet, a conduit leading to a power¬ 
house site at the mouth of Big Creek, where a static head of 650 feet 
would be available, could be constructed through the Big Creek 
divide. In this plan only the capacity of the reservoir above 200 feet, 
amounting to 460,000 acre-feet, would be available for storage. 

A mass curve was constructed from the flow of the North Platte 
at the dam site for the 11-year period 1911 to 1921 and shows that 
with a maximum storage of 350,000 acre-feet the following uniform 
rates of flow could have been maintained, allowance being made for 
evaporation losses: 

Uniform rates of flow at North Park reservoir, in second-feet. 


June, 1911, to June, 1914. 500 

July, 1914, to June, 1917.480 

July, 1917, to June, 1918. 580 

June, 1918, to June, 1921. 450 


The minimum draft during the 11-year period would have been 
450 second-feet, which would have developed 23,000 horsepower at 
70 per cent efficiency. 

The United States Reclamation Service has filings on all the un¬ 
utilized water in the North Platte for storage in the Pathfinder 
reservoir. As the North Park project contemplates filling perman¬ 
ently to an elevation of 7,950 feet, which would require 1,020,000 
acre-feet, probably at least several years would elapse before this 
could be done, as the permanent storage could be obtained only in 
years of high run-off. Once the reservoir was filled to a level of 
7,950 feet there should be little or no further conflict with the Path¬ 
finder reservoir, as the additional storage required would be held 
only to supplement the flow through periods of low water. 

A power plan of less magnitude than the North Park project and 
conflicting less with the rights of the Pathfinder dam is shown by a 
filing in the office of the State engineer of Colorado. A dam 120 feet 






NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


197 


high in sec. 1, T. 11 N., R. 80 W., about 2 miles above the North 
Park dam site, would create a reservoir of 356,000 acre-feet capacity. 
This would assure a uniform draft of 450 second-feet. A 7-mile 
tunnel and canal would make available a fall of 200 feet, developing 
7,200 horsepower at 70 per cent efficiency. 

Seminoe Canyon .—At the point where the North Platte breaks 
through the Seminoe Mountains, in T. 25 N., R. 85 W., there is a fall 
of 260 feet in 5 miles, with a dam site at the head of the fall. Surveys 
made by the Seminole Power Co. show the following capacities: 

Area and capacity of Seminoe Canyon reservoir at different elevations. 


Elevation (feet). 

Area 

(acres). 

Capacity of 
section 
(acre-feet). 

Total 

capacity 

(acre-feet). 

6,180. 

0 



6,205. 

535 

4,460 
28,060 
67,250 
133,630 
207,810 
273,120 
340,550 

4,460 

6^230. 

1,710 

3,670 

7,020 

9,605 

12,244 

32,520 


99,770 

6,280. 

233'400 

6,305. 

441,210 

6,330. 

714'330 

6,355 a . 

15^000 

1,055'000 





« Actual survey not carried above 6,330 feet; results for 6,355 feet are estimated. 


The records for the North Platte above Pathfinder, which are avail¬ 
able from 1914 to 1921, represent closely the discharge at the reser¬ 
voir site. These records were extended back to 1911 by comparison 
with the records at Saratoga. A mass curve was constructed for 
the 11-year period 1911 to 1921 and shows that with a maximum 
storage of 780,000 acre-feet the following uniform rates of flow could 
have been obtained, allowance being made for evaporation losses: 

Uniform rates of flow at Seminoe Canyon reservoir, in second-feet.. 


June, 1911, to June, 1912. 1,770 

July, 1912, to June, 1913. 1, 580 

June, 1913, to June, 1914. 1, 780 

June, 1914, to June, 1917. 1,430 

July, 1917, to July, 1918. 1, 940 

July, 1918, to June, 1920. b 430 

July, 1920, to June, 1921. 2,210 


The capacity above an elevation of 6,285 feet would give the re¬ 
quired capacity of 780,000 acre-feet, which would leave a minimum 
head of 105 feet on the dam. This, with the 258-foot fall through the 
canyon in a distance of 5 miles, gives a total static head of 363 feet, 
which with a discharge of 1,430 second-feet would develop 42,000 
horsepower at 70 per cent efficiency. This is continuous horsepower 
that could have been relied upon during the entire 11-year period 
1911-1921. In a distance of about 2 miles beyond the power site as 
outlined there is an additional fall of 70 feet to the Pathfinder resei- 
voir, giving a total static head of 433 feet and developing 49,500 horse¬ 
power. 




























198 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


TRIBUTARY STREAMS. 

No profile surveys have been made on the tributary streams, and 
but few topographic maps are available, so it is impossible to deter¬ 
mine their power possibilities except for Douglas and French creeks 
and Encampment River. However, considerable power is available 
on the headwater streams in North Park. 

Elevations and distances along Douglas Creek from- source to mouth . 

[Compiled from topographic maps.] 



Distance (miles). 

Eleva¬ 

tion 

Descent (feet). 

Point on creek. 

From 

source. 

Point 
to point. 

above 
sea level 
(feet). 

Total. 

Per 

mile. 

Source. 

0 


10,100 



Mouth of Bear Creek. 

7 

7 

9,390 

710 

101 

Keystone. 

10.5 

3.5 

8,880 

510 

146 

Mouth of Muddy Creek. 

15 

4.5 

8,510 
8,250 

370 

82 

Mouth of Beaver Creek. 

21 

6 

260 

43 

Mouth of Devils Gate Creek. 

27.5 

6.5 

7,950 

7,410 

300 

46 

Mouth. 

31.5 

4 

540 

135 





Undeveloped water power on Douglas Creek. 


Section of creek. 

Distance 

(miles). 

Total fall 

(feet). 

Run-off (second- 
feet).® 

Horsepower (70 
per cent efficiency). 

90 per 
cent of 
time. 

50 per 
cent of 
time. 

90 per 
cent of 
time. 

50 per 
cent of 
time. 

Keystone to Muddy Creek. 

4.5 

370 

4 

7 

117 

204 

Muddy Creek to Beaver Creek. 

6 

260 

9 

13 

184 

266 

Beaver Creek to Devils Gate Creek. 

6.5 

300 

20 

26 

472 

614 

Devils Gate Creek to mouth. 

4 

540 

24 

30 

1,020 

1,280 


« Based on mean drainage area of section. 


From the North Fork to its mouth French Creek falls 500 feet in 
4 miles, or 125 feet to a mile. The undeveloped power in this section 
is 354 horsepower based on the lowest monthly run-off and 905 
horsepower based on the run-off for 50 per cent of the time. 

The following table covers the part of Encampment River having 
the greatest fall: 


Elevations and distances along Encampment River from source to mouth of North Fork. 

[Compiled from topographic maps.] 


Point on river. 

Distance (miles). 

Elevation 
above 
sea level 
(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

From 

source. 

Point to 
point. 

Total. 

Per 

mile. 

Sdurce. 

0 

3.8 
6.5 

9.4 

13.1 

18.5 

24.7 


10,500 
9,500 
9,000 
8,200 
8,000 
7,390 
7,210 



Contour crossing. 

3.8 

2.7 

2.9 

3.7 
5. 4 
6.2 

1,000 

500 

800 

200 

610 

180 

263 

185 

276 

54 

113 

29 

- 

Contour crossing. 

Mouth of West Fork. 

Contour crossing. 

Mouth of Soldier Creek. 

Mouth of North Fork. 
























































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN 


199 


The drainage area above an elevation of 9,000 feet is so small that 
the power has not been estimated. The following table shows the 
undeveloped power for the lower part of the river: 


Undeveloped water power on Encampment River. 


» 

Section of river. 

Distance 

(miles). 

Total fall 
(feet). 

Run-off (second- 
feet).® 

Horsepower (70 per 
cent efficiency). 

90 per 
cent of 
time. 

50 per 
cent of 
time. 

90 per 
cent of 
time. 

50 per 
cent of 
time. 

Contour at 9,000 feet to West Fork . 

2.9 

800 

18 

40 

1,130 

2,510 

Vest Fork to contour 8,000. 

3.7 

200 

28 

56 

452 

882 

Contour at 8,000 feet to Soldier Creek. 

5. 4 

610 

28 

62 

1,350 

2,980 

Soldier Creek to North Fork. 

6.2 

180 

33 

74 

468 

1,050 


0 based on mean drainage area of section. 


STORAGE. 


DEVELOPED SITES. 

Five reservoir sites have been developed in the North Platte 
drainage basin, exclusive of the Laramie, as shown by the following 

table: 


Principal features of developed reservoir sites in North Platte drainage basin. 


Name. 

Project. 

Location. 

Height 
of dam 
(feet). 

Maxi¬ 

mum 

area 

(acres). 

Capacity 

(acre- 

feet). 

Pathfinder.: 

United States Reclamation 

In Tps. 28 and 29 N., R. 84 

218 

22,700 

1,070,000 


Service. 

W. 




La Prole. 

La Prele. 

Secs. 28-33, T. 32 N., R. 73 

135 

728 

20,000 



w. 



Richards . 

Muddv Creek. 

Secs. 19-24, T. 26 N., R. 80 

40 

1,250 

16,800 



w. 



Pierce 

Rock Creek. 

Sec. 19, T. 20 N., R. 78 W. 

21 

199 

2,480 

Hawk Springs... 

Hawk Springs. 

Secs. 9, 10, 15, 16, T. 20 N., 

64 

1,530 

19,400 



R. 61 W. 





These reservoirs are used for irrigation, no power reservoirs being 

built. 

UNDEVELOPED SITES. 


The following table, compiled chiefly from reservoir filings in the 
State engineer’s office, shows the larger undeveloped reservoir sites: 


Principal features of undeveloped reservoir sites in North Platte drainage basin. 


Name. 

Source of supply. 

Nnrth Park. 

North Platte River 

Semi rtric 

OnPrrKPV 

.do. 




Location. 

Tribu¬ 
tary 
drain¬ 
age area. 

Height 
of dam. 

Crest 

length. 

Area. 

Capacity. 

Just south of Wyo- 
m i n g-Colorado 
line. 

Square 

miles. 

1 1,440 

Feet. 

240 

120 

Feet. 

850 

Acres . 
38,500 

Acre-feet. 

2,245,000 

356,000 

T.25N., R. 85 W ... 

7,300 

175 


15,000 

1,055,000 

2 miles above 
Guernsey. 

16,300 

97 

600 

. 

65,000 


105707 — 23 —wsp 469-14 























































































200 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Principal features of undeveloped 


Name. 

Source of supply. 

Big Creek Lakes.. 

Casteel . 

Big Creek. 

.do. 

Brush Creek. 

Brush Creek. 

Hop Park.. 

Encampment. 

Canyon. 

North Spring 
Creek. 

Jack Creek. 

Sierra Mad re. 

M atheson. 

.do. 

Stillwater. 

West Fork of Med¬ 
icine Bow River. 
Medicine Bow 
River. 

.do. 

Sand Creek. 

Cron berg. 

Wister. 

.do. 

Halleck. 

.do. 

Turpin Park . 

Turpin Creek. 

Bosier. 

Rock Creek. 

Sand Lake. 

Deep Creek. 

Two Bar. 

Sheep Creek. 

Devils Gate. 

Sweetwater River. 

Cottonwood Creek. 

Chugwater Creek. 

Buckhorn. 

M. Bar. 



reservoir sites in North Platte drainage basin C ontd. 


Location. 

Tribu¬ 
tary 
drain¬ 
age area. 

Height 
of dam. 

Crest 

length. 

Area. 

Capacity. 


Square 

miles. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Acres. 

Acre-feet. 

Secs. 16 and 21, T. 
11N..R.82W. 

11 

15 


740 

11,000 

Secs. 14, 15, 22, 23, 
T. 12 N., R. 82 W. 
Secs. 7,18, T. 16 N., 

72 

132 


1,625 

66,200 

R.81 W.,and secs. 
12 and 13, T. 16 
N.,R.82W. 

90 

/ 189 

\ 35 

1,500 

750 

976 

59,000 

Secs. 3, 4, 5, 8, 9,10, 
11, 14, 16, T. 12 
N., R. 84 W. 

107 

115 

460 

756 

37,800 

Sec. 19,T.16N.,R. 
S5 W. 

26 

100 

320 

112 

6,360 

Secs. 12 and 1, T. 15 
N., R. 87 W. 

10 

125 

620 

215 

9,200 

Sec. 31, T. 17 N., R. 
89 W. 

Secs. 2 and 11, T. 17 
N.,R.80W. 

Secs. 21,22,28, T. 21, 
N., R. 79 W. 

Secs. 19,30,31,T. 23 
N., R. 79 W. 

32 

22 

178 

90 

551 

1,120 

2,200 

779 

749 

989 

17,900 

22,800 
13,500 

Secs. 12-14, T. 22 N., 
R. 79 W., secs. 7, 
18,17-20. T. 22 N., 
R. 78 W. 

450 

6 

1,530 

2,340 

20,200 

Secs. 11, 12, 14, 15, 
T.20N., R. 81W. 


25 

670 

1,280 

11,500 

Secs. 16 and 21. T. 
17 N., R. SOW. 

6 

65 

1,600 

193 

7,250 

Secs. 19, 20, T. 19 
N., R. 77 W. 

70 

66 

820 


58,000 

Sec. 16, T. 17 N., R. 
79 W. 

3.7 

37 

1,200 

148 

3,290 

Secs. 2 and 3, T. 25 
N., R. 76 W. 

164 

48 

825 

502 

9,940 

T. 29 N., Rs. 87and 
88 W. 

2,200 

120 

325 

5,820 

190,000 

Secs. 4, 5, 8,9, T. 26 
N., R. 6S W. 


27 

2,100 

843 

8,340 

Secs. 25, 26, 36, T. 
22 N., R. 67 W. 

380 

80 


647 

17,900 


The North Park and Seminoe sites and the available water supply 
are described under u Undeveloped water power” (pp. 196-197). 

The construction of a reservoir at the Guernsey site for the purpose 
of controlling more closely the flow at Whalen is contemplated by 
the United States Reclamation Service. It will be a service rather 
than a storage reservoir, and no question of water supply is involved 
in its construction. 

The Big Creek Lakes are on the headwaters of Big Creek in Colo¬ 
rado at an elevation of 9,010 feet. The uncontrolled flow from the 
lakes is utilized by the Independence ditch, which diverts water 
to irrigate 3,000 acres in North Park. From the record near Bie 
Creek post office the mean annual run-off at Big Creek Lakes is 
estimated to be 11,000 acre-feet. 

The Casteel site, which is considered in connection with the pro¬ 
posed Casteel irrigation project, is just south of the State line. The 
mean annual run-off at the reservoir site, including the run-off from 
Big Creek Lakes, is estimated to be 50,000 acre-feet. 












































































NORTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 


201 


The Brush Creek site, which is considered in connection with the 
High Line project, is in the channel of Brush Creek in secs. 7 and 18, 
T. 16 N., R. 81 W., and secs. 12 and 13, T. 16 N., R. 82 W. Two dams, 
one 189 feet high and 1,500 feet long and the other 35 feet high and 
750 feet long, will be required to store 59,000 acre-feet. It is proposed 
to divert water from the North Fork of French Creek into Barrett 
Creek and thence into the Brush Creek reservoir. Additional small 
reservoirs filled from the same source are also contemplated—one 
known as the Elk Hollow reservoir, having a capacity of 11,000 
acre-leet, and another known as the Cedar Creek reservoir, having a 
capacity of 7,000 acre-feet. The mean annual run-off at the Brush 
Creek site as determined from five years' records on Brush Creek 
and eight years' records on French Creek is 76,000 acre-feet. 

Hog Park is a natural reservoir site on the headwaters of Encamp¬ 
ment River just north of the State line. The mean annual run-off 
based on records at Encampment is estimated to be 128,000 acre-feet. 

The Canyon site is near the head of North Spring Creek, 14 miles 
southwest of Saratoga. Its construction was considered in connec¬ 
tion with the Sierra Madre project. The mean annual run-off is 
estimated to be 19,500 acre-feet. 

At the Sierra Madre site, on Jack Creek 25 miles southwest of Sara¬ 
toga, the mean annual run-off is estimated to be 7,000 acre-feet. At 
the Matheson site, on the same creek a short distance above North 
Jack Creek, the mean annual run-off is 14,500 acre-feet, including the 
run-off at the Sierra Madre site. 

The Stillwater site is on the West Fork of Medicine Bow River at 
an altitude of 9,200 feet, in the Medicine Bow Mountains. The mean 
annual run-off, based on comparative records of Deep and Rock 
creeks, is estimated to be 22,000 acre-feet. 

The Sand Creek and Cronberg sites were considered in connection 
with the Medicine Bow project. A supply ditch from Medicine Bow 
River is required for the Sand Creek site, which is on Sand Creek, 
and a second supply ditch from this site to the Cronberg site, 12 miles 
north of it. The mean annual run-off of Medicine Bow River at 
the Sand Creek site is 84,000 acre-feet. 

The Wister site is east of Medicine Bow River and south of Rock 
Creek. The proposed point of diversion is Medicine Bow River in 
sec. 29, T. 22 N., R. 78 W., 6 miles above Rock Creek. The mean 
annual run-off, estimated from that at the Sand Creek site, is 95,000 
acre-feet, including the discharge at that point. 

The Turpin Park site is on Turpin Creek at an altitude of 9,300 
feet, in the Medicine Bow Mountains. The mean annual run-off, 
based on comparative records in Deep and Rock creeks, is estimated 
to be 6,000 acre-feet. 

The Bosler site, which is part of the Rock Creek project, is on a 
tributary of Rock Creek. A supply ditch would divert water from 


202 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

Rock Creek below the canyon. The mean annual run-off at the pro¬ 
posed point of diversion is estimated to be 70,000 acre-feet. 

Sand Lake lies in the Medicine Bow Mountains at an elevation 
of 10,100 feet, on the headwaters of Deep Creek, a tributary of Rock 
Creek. The mean annual run-off is estimated to be 3,980 acre-feet. 

The Two Bar site is on Sheep Creek 12 miles above its mouth. 
Sheep Creek rises at an elevation of 9,000 feet in the mountain range 
south of North Platte River. As no records of flow for this region 
are available, no estimate of the mean annual run-off at the reservoir 
site has been made. 

The site above the Devils Gate, where Sweetwater River cuts 
through the Granite Hills in a narrow gorge 80 feet wide at the base 
and 400 feet deep, will probably not be utilized, as the unappropriated 
flow of Sweetwater River is claimed by the United States Reclamation 
Service for storage in the Pathfinder reservoir, at the junction of 
Sweetwater and North Platte rivers. 

The Buckhorn site is south of Cottonwood Creek, from which it can 
derive its water supply. No records of discharge except at the mouth 
of the stream, below all diversions, are available, and no estimate of 
the mean annual run-off at the reservoir site has been made. 

The M. Bar site, between Chugwater and Richards creeks, 10 miles 
north of Chugwater, can derive its supply from both streams. The 
mean annual run-off of Chugwater Creek is 20,000 acre-feet. 

LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 

GENERAL FEATURES. 

The region drained by Laramie River includes a small area in Colo¬ 
rado east of North Park and an area in Wvomins: extending: north- 
eastward to North Platte River near the Nebraska line. The upper 
part of the area lies between the Medicine Bow and Laramie moun¬ 
tains. 

Laramie River rises in the northern part of T. 7 N., R. 76 W., in 
Larimer County, Colo., at an elevation of 10,000 feet, and flows north¬ 
ward through a valley whose width ranges from half a mile to 2 miles. 
Just north of the Wyoming line the valley disappears and the river 
flows through a canyon for 8 miles, emerges on the Laramie Plains 
across which it flows in a northerly direction for about 75 miles, turns 
abruptly to the east, cuts through the Laramie Mountains m a narrow 
precipitous canyon, and below the canyon flows through a narrow 
valley which is nowhere more than a mile wide and is bordered by 
rugged, broken hills. 21 At Fort Laramie, 50 miles below the Lar¬ 
amie Canyon, the river joins the North Platte. Few large tributaries 

Rivcr^ tliG lftr^Gst are Little Laramie and North Lar- 


21 * >av * s > A- Re P ort progress of stream measurements for the calendar year 1896: U S Geol Survey 
Eighteenth Ann. Rept., pt. 4, p. 142, 1897. ' ' y 







LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 203 

amie rivers and Sibille and Chugwater creeks, all of which rise in the 
Medicine Bow or Laramie mountains. 

In Colorado the basin is mountainous and is bounded on the west 
by steep slopes and on the east by gentle slopes reaching lower alti¬ 
tudes. Between the canyon north of the Colorado line and the lower 
canyon cut through the Laramie Mountains are the Laramie Plains— 
a wide rolling area, 90 miles long, 30 miles in maximum width, and 
between 7,000 and 7,500 feet in altitude. On the east the surface 
rises in a long, gentle slope to the Laramie Mountains, 1,500 feet above 
the plains. On the west the rise is more abrupt, as the Medicine Bow 
Mountains, which form the boundary, are higher and more rugged. 
Within the Laramie Plains there are a number of large depressions 
draining toward the center, where the surface waters are lost by evap¬ 
oration and seepage. In the aggregate these nonproductive areas 
amount to 277 square miles, so that the effective drainage area of the 
basin is reduced by that amount. East of the Laramie Mountains 
the drainage basin is part of the Great Plains and the relief is char¬ 
acteristically low. 

The mean annual precipitation in the Laramie Basin is about 30 
inches at the crest of the Medicine Bow Mountains and about 25 
inches on the Laramie Mountains. It decreases rapidly to 14 inches 
at the edges of the Laramie Plains and is less than 12 inches within 
that area, except in the lower portion, where it increases to 15 inches 
near the Wheatland reservoir. Eastward to the mouth of the river 
the precipitation is about 15 inches. 

MEASURED DRAINAGE AREAS. 


Measured drainage areas in Laramie River basin, in square miles. 


Stream. 

Drainage area above. 

Area. 


Gaging station at Glendevey . 

102 

Do . 

Gaging station a quarter of a mile north of 

293 

Do. 

State line. 

Gaging station in sec. 36, T. 14 N., R. 77 W . 

409 

r>« 

Little Laramie River. 

1,290 


Wheatland reservoir. 

2,100 

_ 

Do. 

Gaging station below Wheatland reservoir at 

2,190 

McGill. 

2,230 

Dn . 

Gaging station in sec. 33, T. 23 N., R. 72 W. 

Tin 

Sibille Creek. 

2,480 

Tin 

Mouth. 

4,580 


.do . 

31 


.do . 

210 


do .. 

105 


Gaging station in sec. 9, T. 15 N., R. 77 W . 

155 

Dn 

Mouth . 

310 


do ... 

60 


do . . 

79 


Gaging station near mouth . 

568 


Mouth . 

156 

In or til r one oi oiDiiie . 

do . 

56 



117 


Gaging station in sec. 2, T. 25 N., R. 70 W . 

366 

Tin 


535 


Gaging station at Chugwater . 

359 



710 



74 

North r orK ol Lpugw aier oreeK . 


79 







































































204 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


G AGING-STATION RECORDS. 

LARAMIE RIVER NEAR GLENDEVEY, COLO. 

Location.— In SW. £ sec. 25, T. 10 N„ R. 76 W., at highway bridge 3 miles east of 
Glendevey, Larimer County. Nearest tributary, Nunn Creek, enters just above 
station. 

Drainage area. —101 square miles (measured on topographic map). 

Records available. —June 24, 1904, to October 31, 1905; August 18, 1910. to Sep¬ 
tember 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Water-stage recorder installed November 8, 1910, and referred to datum of 
vertical staff used previously. 

Extremes of discharge. —1904-5, 1910-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 5.0 feet on 
June 1, 1914 (discharge, 1,380 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 1.5 feet on 
February 14 and 15, 1911 (discharge, 5 second-feet). 

Diversions. —There are court decrees for diversions of 49 second-feet from Laramie 
River above station and 545 second-feet from tributaries entering above. Of this 
latter amount, 400 second-feet are for diversion into the Cache la Poudre basin 
through the Skyline ditch. In addition, the United States Supreme Court has 
"ranted the Laramie-Poudre tunnel an annual diversion of 215,000 acre-feet. 
(For amounts actually diverted see transmountain diversions on p. 240.) 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily during 1904-5 and gage heights from continuous 
records since 1910. From 1910 to 1919 complete records furnished by State 
engineer. Rating curves well defined. Records good except during winter, for 
which they are fair. 


Monthly discharge of Laramie River at Glendevey, Colo., for 1904-5, 1910-1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-oft in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

.Tnnp 24-30.. ._ 

1904. 

405 

265 

299 

4 150 

July. 

405 

90 

1 i 

10,100 
3,900 
1,890 

August. 

90 

50 

63. 4 

Sent ember__ 

50 

25 

31.7 



The period.... 



i 


20,000 


1904-5. 




October. 

50 

7 

26.6 

8 

1,640 

476 

492 

492 

575 

615 

1,860 

1 1 ttOO 

November. 


December. 



8 

8 

10 

10 

31.3 

241 

627 

162 

60.7 

18.5 

January. 



February. 



March. 



April. 

90 

462 

1,040 

285 

120 

50 

11 

90 

305 

105 

25 

7 



37,300 

9,960 

3,730 

1 1 Afl 


August. 

September__ 



. 

I, 1UU 

The rear. 


1,040 

36 

76 


101 

73,000 

August 18-31. 

1910. 

. 

26 

Ml 

31 

September__ 

ol. U 
AO 1 

obl 


1910-11. 



2, DlU 

October. 

42 

31 

22 

20 

16 

31 

as 

31 

■jo 

2,000 

1,240 

1,040 

928 

628 

1,360 

2,520 

14,300 

25,200 

8,060 

2.530 

1,850 

November. 

Ow, O 

December. 

ID 

1 'X 

Z\j. o 

Januarv . 

lu 


February. 

c 

iOa J. 

March. 

April. 


O 

12 

19 

li. 3 
22.1 
42.3 






oO 

ZS/j 


970 

loD 

424 

August. 


DU 

97 

Id! 

September. 

z.q 

n 

41.1 

Ml 1 





31. 1 

The vear. 


ASH 



61,700 



O 

So. 2 

































































LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 205 

Monthly discharge of Laramie River at Glendevey, Colo., for 1904-5, 1910-1921 —Contd. 


Month. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1911-12. 


The year. 


1912-13. 


October.... 
November. 
December. 
January... 
February.. 
March. 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


The year. 


1913-14. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August 

September. 


The year. 


1914-15. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 
March 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August 

September. 


The year. 


1915-16. 


October 
November. 
December. 
January... 
February.. 


March. 


April. 

May. 

June... 

July. 

August 
September. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


85 

23 


16 

16 

22 

42 

568 

798 

568 

142 

60 


Minimum. 


798 


46 

34 


142 

360 

342 

127 

40 

36 


360 


36 


15 

115 

990 

1,380 

272 

80 


1,380 


300 

521 

172 

87 



40 

33 


The year. 


180 

378 

397 

180 

80 

102 


397 


16 

16 


10 

14 

14 

10 

36 

286 

117 

30 

22 


10 


25 

19 


85 

98 

40 

25 

22 


Mean. 


35.2 
20.1 
15.0 

13.9 

15.2 

15.9 

20.0 

205 

.542 

266 

53.7 

37.0 


103 


36.1 

21.1 
12 
13 
12 
15 
70 

197 

199 

63.6 

31.9 

27.8 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


2,160 

1,200 

922 

855 

874 

978 

1,190 

12,600 

32,300 

16,400 

3,300 

2,200 


58.3 


25 


10 

10 

91 

272 

80 


32.7 

25 

15 

13 

13 

14.3 

50.6 

393 

640 

146 

60 

25 


118 


57 

156 

33 

33 

19 


35 

15 

10 

8 

10 

10 

50 

163 

258 

80.3 

49.9 

34.1 


33 


80 

166 

60 

31 

31 


34.1 

20 

15 

15 

15 

20 

60 

202 

287 

95.8 
57.5 

42.8 


72.2 


75,000 


2,220 

1,260 

738 

799 

666 

922 

4,170 

12,100 

11,800 

3,910 

1,960 

1,650 


42,200 


1,240 
1,490 
922 
799 
722 
879 
3,010 
24,200 
38,100 
8,980 
3,690 
1,490 


85,500 


2,150 
893 
615 
492 
555 
615 
2,980 
10,000 
15,400 
4,940 
3,070 
2,030 


2,100 
1,190 
922 
922 
863 
1,230 
3,570 
12,400 
17,100 
5,890 
3,540 
2,550 


52,300 

























































































































206 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of Laramie River at Glendevey, Colo., for 1904-5, 1910-1921 —Contd. 


Month. 


October 1-17. 

J une 8-30- 

July. 

August. 

September... 


1916-17. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August 

September. 


1917-18. 


The year. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June.. 

July. 

August 

September. 


1918-19. 


The year. 


J une.. 

July.. 

August 
September. 


1920. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May.. 

J une. 

July. 

August 

September. 


1920-21. 


The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


36 

36 


82 

735 

1,130 

237 

68 

36 


1,130 


130 

310 

240 

50 

45 


310 


955 

429 

90 

76 


34 

20 


47 

655 

1,020 

266 

110 

53 


1,020 


Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

42 

36 

51.5 

1,340 

^447 

980 

548 

149 

331 

15S 

62 

101 

75 

28 

54.9 


21 

24 


28 

96 

149 

57 

28 

28 


82 

48 

16 

14 


359 

75 

45 

30 


20 

6 


16 

52 

275 

67 

35 

23 


25.9 
28.0 
12 
12 
12 
15 
41 
373 
681 
129 

33.6 

30.7 


8 


11.5 


25 

20 

15 

15 

15 

18 

35 

213 

110 

27.6 

21.6 
18 


44.6 


579 

161 

63.3 

43.1 


25.9 

8.7 

10 

12 

12 

15 

27.8 

248 

619 

153 

61.5 

32.4 


102 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


1,740 

44,700 

20,400 

6,210 

3,270 


1,590 

1,670 

738 

738 

666 

922 

2,490 

22,900 

40,500 

7,930 

2,070 

1,280 


83,500 


1.540 
1,190 

922 
922 
833 
1,110 
2,080 
13,100 

6.540 
1,700 
1,330 
1,070 


32,300 


34,500 

9,900 

3,890 

2,560 


1,590 

518 

615 

738 

666 

922 

1,650 

15,200 

36,800 

9,410 

3,780 

1,930 


73,800 


Note.—R ecords revised from Oct. 1, 1910, to Mar. 31, 1912. Winter records estimated. 


LARAMIE RIVER NEAR JELM, WYO. 

Location.—I n sec. 15, T. 12 N., R. 77 W., at highway bridge at Boswell’s ranch, 
a quarter of a mile below Colorado-Wyoming line, 4 miles south of Jelm. Albany 
County. 

Drainage area. —297 square miles (measured on topographic map). 

Records available.— May 7, 1911, to September 30, 1921. From June 22, 1904, 
to October 31, 1905, a station was maintained at Decker's ranch, half a mile 
south of the State line. The records at the two stations are practically comparable, 
as there are no tributaries nor diversions of any account between. 























































































LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 207 

Gage. —Bristol water-stage recorder at downstream side of right bridge abutment 
used since 1911. Vertical staff during 1904-5. 

Extremes of discharge— 1904-5, 1911-1921: Maximum stage recorded. 4.2 feet 
at noon June 8, 1920, from high-water mark (discharge, 3,840 second-feet); mini¬ 
mum stage recorded, 1.8 feet on September 22-24, October 4-8, 18-23, 28-31, 
1905 (discharge, 22 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Between Glendevey and Jelm stations court decrees for diversion of 
292 second-feet from Laramie River and 329 second-feet from intervening 
tributaries. 

Cooperation. —Station maintained in cooperation with State engineer of Colorado. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily during 1904-5. Since 1911 gage heights obtained 
from continuous record. Rating curves well defined. Records good except 
during winter, for which they are fair 

Monthly discharge of Laramie River near Jelm, Wyo., for 1904-5 . 1911-1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

June 22-30__ 

1904. 

733 

408 

560 

10,000 

16,700 

6,210 

2,730 


635 

140 

272 

August. 

156 

68 

101 

Sentember... 

68 

32 

45.9 



The period.... 





35,600 






Ontnhftr 

1904-5. 

49 

32 

44. 6 

2,740 

2,380 

2,150 

Nftvwnhw. 

40 

December . 



35 

.Tfl.nna.rv ... . 



30 

1 ,840 

Ffthniarv.... 



25 

1,390 

Mflrnh. . . 



22 

l ' 350 

April . 

112 

22 

50.1 

2,980 


1,128 

112 

458 

28^200 
69,000 
13,000 
« 6,010 
2,360 


1 ,920 
455 

435 

1,160 


124 

'212 

A n Piist. . 

160 

45 

97.8 

SAnfpmhpr .. 

58 

• 22 

39.6 





Thfi vftflr 


1,920 


184 

133,000 




\f a XT 7 51 

1911. 

833 

387 

629 

31,200 
47,100 


1,210 

492 

300 

792 


106 

223 

13; 700 


106 

43 

71.4 

4,390 

2,560 

SontomhAr .. 

74 

33 

43.1 











99,000 







1911-12. 

132 

56 

68.1 

4,180 

NAVAmhpr ... 

94 

50 

62.3 

3,710 
2,770 




45 




40 

2,460 




45 

2,590 




45 

2,770 


147 


60 

3,570 


2,020 

2,460 

76 

518 

31,800 


690 

1,510 

89,900 


1,390 

240 

547 

33,600 


290 

57 

120- 

7,380 


134 

57 

81.7 

4,860 


2,460 


263 

190,000 

1--- 

• 








































































208 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of Laramie River near Jelm, Wyo., for 1904-5, 1911-1921 —Contd. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

’ April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

J anuary. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March.. 

April.. 

May.. 

June.. 

July.. 

August.. 

September_ 

The year 


Mouth. 


1912-13. 


1913-14. 


1914-15. 


1915-16. 


1916-17. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


110 

76 


334 

906 

836 

230 

102 

77 


836 


130 

67 


202 
2,280 
2,980 
472 
170 
80 


2,980 


SO 


547 

984 

250 

88 

99 


Minimum. 


984 


99 


270 

1,500 

1,110 

330 

145 

170 


1,500 


1,090 
2,970 
2,300 
305 
93 


2,970 


57 

38 


250 

212 

90 

35 

28 


50 

42 


155 

472 

130 

60 

25 


50 


Mean. 


83.3 


55.3 

35 

40 

35 

50 

175 

516 

441 

135 

55.3 

52.0 


140 


71.4 

55.9 

45 

40 

40 

50 

115 

957 

1,340 

234 

108 

37.3 


258 


no 

250 

67 

49 

41 


49 


60 

170 

375 

80 

70 

52 


104 

512 

284 

91 

62 


71.6 

45 

28 

22 

28 

30 

120 

304 

477 

129 

73.1 

63.4 


116 


68.8 

50 

45 

48 

48 

65 

116 

528 

762 

154 

97.6 

82.4 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


173 


90 

80 

65 

52 

5C 

40 

100 

470 

,000 

876 

172 

81.0 


340 


5,120 
3,290 
2,150 
2,460 
1,940 
3,070 
10,400 
31,700 
26,200 
8,300 
3,400 
3,090 


101,000 


4, 390 
3,330 
2, 770 
2,460 
2,220 
3,070 
6,840 
58,800 
79,700 
14,400 
6,640 
2,220 


187,000 


4,4-JO 
2,680 
1,720 
1,350 
1,560 
1,840 
7,140 
18,700 
28,400 
7,930 
4,490 
3,770 


84,000 


4,230 
2,980 
2,770 
2,9.50 
2,760 
4,000 

6.900 
32,500 
45,300 

9,470 

6,000 

4.900 


125,000 


5,530 
4,760 
4,000 
3,200 
2,780 
2,460 
5,9-50 

28.900 
119,000 

53.900 
10,600 

4,820 


246,000 














































































































LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 209 

Manthly discharge of Laramie River near Jelm, Wyo., for 1904-5, 1911-1921 —C'ontd. 


Month. 


October. 

N ovember. 

December.. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


1917-18. 


1918-19. 

October. 

N ovember. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1919-20. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September... 

The year. 


1920-21. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


Minimum. 


62 


1,280 

1,790 

510 

140 

101 


1,790 


708 

497 

190 

114 

67 


708 


50 


1,520 
2,130 
756 
395 

114 


2,130 


75 


1,600 

2,160 

542 

242 

111 


2.160 


24 


95 

335 

112 

46 

46 


Mean. 


44.5 

40 

35 

35 

35 

45 

87 

581 

1,170 

242 

90.7 

61.0 


206 


185 

147 

50 

28 

26 


34 


50 

45 

45 

45 

45 

50 

120 

425 

282 

91.8 

54.9 
37.8 


108 


100 

796 

138 

68 

58 


52 


124 

602 

131 

78 

49 


42.6 

35 

30 

30 

25 

30 

50 

590 

1,390 

284 

148 

75.9 


228 


59.7 
30 
40 
40 
40 
50 
85 
584 
1,410 
314 
123 
62.4 


236 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


2,740 
2,380 
2,150 
2,150 
1,940 
2,770 
5,180 
35,700 
69,600 
14,900 
5,580 
3,630 


149,000 


3,070 
2,680 
2,770 
2,770 
2,500 
3,070 
7,140 
26,100 
16,800 
5,640 
3,380 
2,250 


78,200 


2,620 
2,080 
1,840 
1,840 
1,440 
1,840 
2,980 
36,300 
82, 700 
17,500 
9,100 
4,520 


165,000 


3,670 
1,790 
2,460 
2,460 
2,220 
3,070 
5,060 

35.900 

83.900 
19,300 

7,560 
3,710 


171,000 


Note. —Winter records estimated. Records for 1912 revised. 

LARAMIE RIVER AT WOODS LANDING, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 11, T. 13 N., R. 77 W., at highway bridge at Woods Landing, a 
short distance below mouth of Wood Creek, nearest tributary. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available. —July 1, 1890, to June 30, 1892; April 12, 1896, to September 
30, 1900; May 7 to November 11, 1911. 

Gage.—V ertical staff; no determined relation between gage used during 1911 and 
those used prior to 1900. 










































































































210 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Diversions— Practically no water is diverted between station near Jelm and Woods 
Landing. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1890-1892; 1896-1900; 1911: Maximum stage recorded, 
4.65 feet on June 25, 1899 (discharge, 4,500 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 
• 1.0 foot on September 23, 1911 (discharge, 17 second-feet). 

Accuracy. —No statement of accuracy, as conditions under which station was main¬ 
tained are not known. Records fair for 1911. 

Monthly discharge of Laramie River at Woods Landing, Wyo., for 1890-91, 1896-1900, 

1911. 


July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


October. 

November_ 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June.. 

July. 

August. 

September_ 

The year 


April. 

May 1-26. 
June 8-30 


April 12-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


October. 

November_ 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September_ 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September_ 

The year 


Month. 


1890. 


1890-91. 


1892. 


1896. 


1896-97. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


587 

302 

117 


102 


Minimum. 


1,120 

1,500 

980 

451 

198 


1,500 


295 

1,260 

1,980 


754 
2,170 
1,200 
220 
231 
190 


130 


350 

3,420 

2,700 

475 

183 

70 


3,420 


1898. 


350 

1,570 

1,400 

200 

50 

40 


1,570 


Mean. 


181 

107 

69 


67 


397 

703 

297 

134 

82 


74 

229 

1,010 


69 

275 

165 

62 

49 

62 


48 

443 

550 

125 

70 

GO 


85 

125 

245 

50 

40 

40 


378 

190 

82.6 


83. 

50 

45 

40 

40 

40 

100 

852 

1,140 

514 

268 

162 


279 


175 

440 

1,350 


222 

618 

499 

127 

94.8 

116 


100 

50 

40 

35 

35 

40 

128 

1,960 

1,560 

266 

92.7 

65.3 


217 


50 

40 

35 

35 

35 

45 

129 

637 

969 

89.4 

44.2 

40.0 


180 


Run-cff in 
acre-feet. 


23,200 

11,700 

4,920 


39,800 


5,140 
2,980 
2,770 
2,460 
2,220 
2,460 
5,950 
52,400 
67,800 
31,600 
16,500 
9,640 


202,000 


10,400 
22,700 
61,600 


8,370 

38,000 

29,700 

7,810 

5,830 

6,900 


96,600 


6.150 
2,980 
2,460 

2.150 
1,940 
2 .; 460 
7,620 

12,100 
92,800 
16,400 
5,700 
3.890 


157,000 


3,070 

2,380 

2,150 

2,150 

1,940 

2,770 

7,680 

39,200 

57,700 

5,500 

2,720 

2,380 


130,000 































































































LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 


211 


Mo7ithly discharge of Laramie River at Woods Landing, Wyo., for 1890-91, 1896-1900 

1911 —Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Itun-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1898-99. 

October. 

45 


42 

40 

35 

35 

35 

40 

100 

1,280 

3,220 

1,250 

191 

56.3 

2,580 

2,380 

2,150 

2,150 

1,940 

2,460 

5,950 

78.700 
192,000 

76,900 

11.700 
3,350 

November. 


December. 



January. 



February. 


. 

March. 







2,620 

4,500 

3,200 

512 

85 

125 

2,040 

320 

60 

45 



August. 

September. 

The year. 

4,500 


528 

382,000 

1899-1900. 

October. 


92 

45 

65.0 

50 

45 

40 

40 

50 

125 

1,940 

1,780 

111 

50 

44.3 

4,000 
2,980 
2,770 
2,460 
2,220 
3,070 
7,440 
11,900 
106,000 
6,820 
3,070 
2,640 

November. ^ 

December. 



January. 



February. 



March. 




380 

4,000 

3,780 

290 

70 

55 

50 

290 

290 

60 

40 

40 


June. 

Julv. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 

4,000 


214 

155,000 

1911. 

May 7-31. 

. 

975 

1,480 

410 

180 

110 

335 

310 

75 

32 

17 

711 

943 

242 

77.5 

29.6 

36,400 
56,100 
14,900 
4,770 
1,760 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 




114,000 

4,650 
1,030 

October. 

220 

110 

32 

24 

75.7 

47.3 

November 1-11. 



note.— Winter records revised. 


LARAMIE RIVER AND PIONEER CANAL NEAR WOODS, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 36, T. 14 N., R. 77 W., at diversion dam for Pioneer canal, 2 miles 
above Woods post office, in Albany County. Nearest important tributary, Fox 
Creek, enters 3 miles above. 

Drainage area. —109 square miles (measured on base maps of Wyoming and Colorado; 
scale, 1:500,000). 

Records available. —May 1, 1912, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Bristol water-stage recorder whose datum is the crest of the dam. Gage origi¬ 
nally at left end of dam just below Pioneer canal headgates. On September 23, 
1915, gage was moved to upper wing wall of headgates, and although it is actually 
above the canal intake it still indicates the amount passing the dam, as it is in the 
pool formed by diversion dam. Chain gage in Pioneer canal is at Johnson Bridge, 
1£ miles below intake. It is read by an employee of the Laramie Water Co. 

Extremes of discharge. —1912-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 4.4 feet from 8 a. m. 
to noon June 23,1917 (river discharge, 3,310 second-feet, combined discharge, 3,820 
second-feet); minimum flow probably occurs during winter. 


































































212 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Diversions. —By decree of district court dated December 27, 1912, there were ad¬ 
judicated diversions of approximately 10 second-feet from Laramie River between 
the State line and Pioneer dam, exclusive of the Pioneer canal, which has decrees 
for 282 second-feet. Enlargement of Pioneer canal has storage rights for 68.500 
acre-feet in Lake Hattie. 

Accuracy. —(River) Gage heights from continuous records except as noted. Rating 
curve well defined below 1,200 second-feet. Records good except during winter, 
for which they are fair. (Canal) Gage probably read twice daily during 1912-13; 
May 21 to June 30, 1916; during 1917; and once daily for remainder of period. 
Records fair. 

Monthly discharge of Laramie River near Woods, Wyo.,for 1912-1921. 


Month. 


1912. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1912-13. 

October. 

N oyember. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


1913-14. 


October. 

November_ 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March.... 

April.. 

May.. 

June.. 

July. 

August.. 

September_ 

The year 


1914-15. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

- 1.580 

0 

428 

26,300 

r* l, 900 

200 

1,040 

61,900 

1,040 

152 

338 

20,800 

' 282 

10 

67.1 

4,130 

95 

10 

48.3 

2,870 









128 

86 

104 

6,400 

110 

0 

69.9 

4,160 

55 

20 

37.6 

2,310 

52 

20 

39.5 

2,430 

44 

25 

36.0 

2,000 

109 

28 

45. 6 

2,800 

301 

66 

184 

10,900 

550 

89 

262 

16,100 

450 

74 

260 

15,500 

181 

6 

64.7 

3,980 

80 

10 

40.1 

2, 470 

63 

15 

32.2 

1,920 

550 

0 

97.9 

71,000 

118 

0 

43.2 

2,660 

77 

26 

59.8 

3,560 

60 

30 

51.8 

3,180 

52 

40 

46.2 

2,840 

57 

40 

47.0 

2,610 

73 

45 

54.6 

3,300 

203 

70 

130 

7,740 

2,030 

203 

993 

61,000 

2,400 

293 

1,020 

60,700 

342 

73 

153 

9,410 

107 

21 

41.3 

2,540 

45 

10 

18.6 

1,110 

2,400 

0 

222 

161,000 

129 

38 

71.9 

4,420 

75 

32 

50.2 

2,990 

54 

23 

30.2 

1,860 

28 

19 

24.8 

1,520 

41 

25 

32.6 

1,810 

45 

31 

35.4 

2,180 

217 

45 

129 

7,680 

515 

47 

254 

15,600 

765 

222 

441 

26,200 

235 

26 

89.9 

5,530 

43 

15 

25.3 

1,560 

64 

15 

34.8 

2,070 

765 

15 

101 

73,400 





















































































LARAMIE RIVER BASIN 


213 


Monthly discharge of Laramie River near Woods , Wyo.,for 1912-1921 —Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

October. 

1915-16. 

91 

66 

63 

63 

66 

110 

322 

940 

940 

293 

147 

128 

15 

19 

KA fi 

3,370 
o osn 

November. 

A Q r; 

December. 

Qfi 

Al\ K 

you 
2,860 
Q 17H 

January. 

42 

42 

42 

32 

239 

322 

53 

24 

15 

r*1 a 

February. 

March.. . 

52.9 

AQ ^ 

3,040 

A 9An 

April. 

May. 

June. 


91.1 
619 

697 

150 

583 

47.2 

5,420 
38,100 
ai 

July. 

August. 

September. 


9,220 
3.580 
2; 810 

The year. 


940 

12 

166 

120,000 

October. 

November.. 

1916-17. 

68 

96 

84 

15 

12 

60 

44 

42.7 

64.3 
68.9 

57.4 
52.6 
43.3 

121 

458 

1,750 

738 

2,630 
3,830 
4,240 
3,530 
2,920 
2.660 
7,200 
28,200 
104,000 
45,400 
7 930 

December... 

January. 

71 

February. 

60 

35 
• 33 

55 
93 

March. 

68 

April. 

208 

May. 

1,420 

June. 

2,910 

378 

July. 

' 170 

231 

August. 

222 

81 

129 

56.3 

September_ ... 

76 

33 

3,350 




The year. 


2,910 

33 

298 

216,000 





March 25-31_ 

1918. 

118 

90 

103 

1,430 

Anril_ 

153 

63 

102 

6^070 

51,000 

76,800 

12,500 

2,430 

5,240 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1,470 

1.920 

530 

73 

138 

118 

333 

73 

15 

48 

829 

1,290 

204 

39.6 

88.0 

The period. 




155,000 





October _ 

1918-19. 

68 

26 

" 

52.7 

3,240 

April.. 

345 

60 

130 

7,740 


640 

194 

391 

24.000 


412 

63 

223 

13,300 


71 

6 

27.8 

1,710 

1,300 

August. 

111 

8 

21.1 

Sentember . _ _ .. 

40 

4 

17.5 

1,040 

Mav 4-31 _ 

1920. 

1,920 

314 

956 

53,100 


2, 100 
680 

680 

1,310 

78,000 


. 55 

197 

12,100 

August . 

121 

9 

59.3 

3,650 

Sentember .. 

87 

46 

60.8 

3,620 







The period. 





150,000 

Octnber 

1920-21. 

76 

31 

55.0 

3,380 

November . . 

102 

48 

72.7 

4,330 

December 1 11 . 

93 

58 

64.0 

1,400 

March 11 31 . 

96 

44 

69.1 

2.880 


177 

48 

91.3 

5,430 


1,920 

153 

842 

51,800 


2,370 

492 

1,460 

86,900 


434 

105 

225 

13,800 

August- . 

242 

47 

110 

6,760 

2,090 

Sentember . 

93 

15 

35.1 

* 







































































































214 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Monthly discharge of Pioneer canal near Woods, Wyo., for 1912-1921. 


May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September 1-25.. 

The period 

January 14-31... 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May.. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 

October. 

November. 

December. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


October. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year 


March 25-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Month. 


1912. 


1913. 


1913-14. 


1914-15. 


1915-16. 


1916-17. 


1918. 



Run-ofl in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

700 

50 

222 

13,600 

815 

149 

540 

32,100 

517 

55 

221 

13,600 

104 

47 

60.5 

3,720 

51 

7 

38.2 

1,890 




64, 900 





8 

1 

6.1 

218 

7 

6 

6. 5 

361 

9 

6 

8.0 

492 

212 

1 

29.2 

b, 740 

520 

244 

361 

22,200 

515 

114 

187 

11,100 

122 

4 

47.0 

2,890 

40 

4 

10.8 

664 

40 

4 

18.7 

1,110 

520 



40,S00 

40 

2 

18.0 

1,110 

2 

2 

2.0 

119 

1 

1 

1.0 

61 

154 

1 

54.4 

3,340 

731 

62 

311 

18,500 

165 

26 

69.2 

4,250 

31 

21 

24.6 

1,510 

28 

8 

17.8 

1,060 

• 8 

2 

4.0 

236 

76 

0 

3.0 

179 

128 

20 

77.9 

4.790 

107 

92 

98.8 

5,880 

87 

44 

50.2 

3,090 

41 

34 

39.2 

2,410 

35 

... . 

28 

28.2 

1,680 

35 

2 

10.3 

633 

2 

2 

2.0 

119 

2 

2 

2.0 

123 

2 

2 

2.0 

123 

2 

2 

2.0 

115 

46 

2 

4.84 

298 

67 

44 

57.6 

3,430 

101 

66- 

72.0 

4,430 

118 

91 

104 

6,190 

99 

72 

74.8 

4,600 

72 

61 

67.0 

4,120 

61 

42 

48.0 

2,860 

118 

2 

37.2 

27,000 

70 

47 

62.2 

3,820 

70 

2 

22.4 

i;330 



2 

123 



2 

123 



2 

111 



2 

12.3 

34 

2 

5.4 

321 

420 

40 

158 

9,720 

818 

119 

619 

36,800 

657 

106 

155 

9,530 

101 

14 

52.9 

3,250 

20 

13 

13.4 

797 

818 


91.2 

66,000 

4 

4 

4.0 

56 

4 

4 

4.0 

238 

60 

5 

22.6 

1,390 

95 

60 

92.2 

5, 490 

80 

12 

37.7 

2,320 

36 

16 

28.6 

i;760 

2 

2 

2.0 

119 




11 inn 





















































































































LARAMIE RIVER BASIN 


215 


Monthly discharge of Pioneer canal near Woods, Wyo., for 1912-1921— Continued. 


Month. 


1919. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 

1920. 

May. 

June. 

July.... 

August.. 

September. 

The period.. 


1921. 

April.. 

May. 

June.. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off In 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 



4 


148 

2 

72.2 

4,440 

94 

52 

68.5 

4,080 

65 

34 

48.1 

2,960 

62 

20 

36.1 

2,220 

31 

2 

20.9 

1,240 




15 200 





595 

4 

122 

7,500 

363 

158 

275 

16,400 

174 

96 

131 

8,060 

106 

28 

78.9 

4,850 

25 

10 

17.2 

1,020 




37,800 






10 

595 

90 

12 

38.9 

2,390 

230 

77 

127 

7,560 

109 

54 

86.9 

5,340 

53 

37 

44.2 

2,720 

36 

14 

21.1 

1,260 




19,900 





Monthly discharge of Laramie River and Pioneer canal near Woods, Wyo., for 1912-1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

1912. 



650 

39,900 

94,000 

Tnnp . 



1,580 




559 

34,400 

Alienist. ..... 



128 

7,850 

SpntpmhpT . .. 



86.5 

4,760 






T'hp norifkl . 




181,000 





1912-13. 

Opt.nhAr . 



104 

6,400 

Nnvpmhftr . 



69.9 

4,160 

npppmhpr . 



37.6 

2,310 

Tft.mift.rv _ . ... 

55 

21 

43.1 

2,650 

Fphmarv . 

50 

34 

42.4 

2,350 

Mflrrh ... 

178 

34 

53.6 

3,300 

A pril . 

445 

86 

213 

12,700 


1,060 

341 

623 

38,300 


959 

1% 

447 

26,600 


202 

70 

111 

6,820 

Anonist. . . ... 1 

84 

30 

50.9 

3,130 

September. 

74 

30 

50.8 

3,020 





112,000 

1913-14. 

Optnhpr ..... 

120 

37 

61.8 

3,800 

MnvAmViAr ... 

79 

28 

61.8 

3,680 

Doppmhpf _. ... 

61 

31 

52.8 

* 3,250 

Tfl.mift.rv .. 

51 

41 

46.2 

2,840 

TTohrnArv . 

58 

46 

47.0 

2,610 

Af&rch * -T- . 

74 

46 

54.6 

3,360 


204 

71 

130 

, 1 , 1 4U 


2,080 

204 

1,050 

64,400 


2,600 

437 

1,330 

79,200 


507 

111 

222 

13,700 
4,050 
2,170 


134 

42 

65.9 


73 

30 

36.4 


2,600 

28 

184 

191,000 







105707—23 —wsp 469-15 








































































































216 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Monthly discharge of Laramie River and Pioneer canal near Woods, Wyo., for 

1912-1921 —Continued 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

129 

38 

71.9 

4,420 

75 

32 

50.2 

2,990 

54 

23 

30.2 

1,860 

28 

19 

24.8 

1,520 

41 

25 

32.6 

1,810 

45 

31 

35.4 

2,180 

217 

45 

132 

7,860 

563 

98 

332 

20,400 

872 

314 

540 

32,100 

290 

70 

140 

8,610 

81 

49 

64.5 

3,970 

92 

45 

63.0 

3,750 

872 

19 

126 

91,500 

93 

17 

65.1 

4,000 

68 

14 

51.5 

3,060 

65 

32 

48.5 

2,980 

65 

44 

53.6 

3,300 

68 

44 

54.9 

3,160 

112 

44 

74.1 

4,560 

389 

84 

149 

8,870 

1,010 

305 

691 

42,500 

1,030 

440 

801 

47,700 

392 

125 

224 

13,800 

219 

86 

125 

7" 690 

171 

65 

95.1 

5,660 

1,030 

14 

203 

147,000 

121 

85 

105 

6,460 

98 

82 

86.7 

5,160 

86 

62 

70.9 

4,360 

73 

46 

59.4 

3,650 

65 

37 

54.6 

3,030 

70 

35 

45.3 

2,790 

218 

57 

126 

7,500 

1,550 

163 

616 

37; 900 

3,420 

839 

2,370 

141,000 

2,360 

342 

893 

54,900 

323 

97 

182 

11,200 

91 

46 

69.7 

4,150 

3,420 

35 

389 

282,000 

122 

94 

107 

1,490 

157 

67 

106 

6,310 

1,530 

123 

851 

52,300 

2,020 

428 

1,390 

82,700 

567 

102 

246 

15,100 

110 

50 

78.0 

4 ,800 

83 

60 

72.7 

4,330 


Month. 


1914-15. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


The year. 


1915-16. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


The year. 


October.... 

November. 

December.. 

January.... 

February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1916-17. 


The year. 


March 25-31. 

April. 

MaA 


1918. 


lay. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


The period. 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1919. 


The period. 


May. 

Juiie. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1920. 


The period. 


748 

486 

136 

154 

67 


2,230 
2,440 
854 
227 
104 


196 

126 

40 

28 

26 


134 

463 

292 

75.9 

57.2 

38.4 


318 

857 

151 

79 

56 


1,080 

1,580 

328 

138 

78 


167,000 


7,970 
28,500 
17,400 
4,670 
3,520 
2,280 


64,300 


66,400 
94,000 
20,200 
8,480 
4,640 


194,000 












































































































LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 


217 


Monthly discharge of Laramie River and Pioneer canal near Woods Wyo., for 

1912-1921 —Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1920-21. 

October. 

82 

108 

37 

54 

61.0 

78.7 

48 

45 

45 

60 

101 

881 

1,590 

312 

154 

56.2 

3,750 
4,680 
2,950 
2,770 
2,500 
3,690 
6,010 

54.200 

94,600 

19.200 
9,470 
3,340 

November. 

December. 

January. 



February. 



March. 



April. 

225 

2,030 

2,480 

543 

288 

127 

60 

230 

546 

159 

86 

29 



July. 

August... 

September. 

The year. 

2,480 


286 

207,000 




LARAMIE RIVER AT TWO RIVERS, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 5, T. 17 N., R. 74 W., at highway bridge at Two Rivers, Albany 
County. Nearest tributary, Little Laramie River, enters a quarter of a mile 
below. 

Drainage area. —1.290 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1: 500,000). 

Records available. —May 1, 1911, to September 30, 1921. Station maintained by 
State engineer during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage. —Friez water-stage recorder on left bank, installed May 2, 1920, 45 feet down¬ 
stream from bridge and site of Bristol gage used from 1915 to 1919. Datum 
unchanged since 1915. Gage used in 1912 referred to datum 0.74 foot lower. 
Gage on left bank 400 feet above bridge used during 1913 and 1914. 

Extremes op discharge. —1911-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 6.4 feet June 22, 
1917 (discharge, 2,600 second-feet). No flow September 22-25, 1911. 

Diversions. —By decree of district court dated December 27, 1912, there were adju¬ 
dicated diversions of 414 second-feet from Laramie River between the station 
near Woods and this one. 

Accuracy. —Staff gage probably read twice daily 1911-1913. During 1914-1921 gage 
heights from water-stage recorder, which did not operate continuously. Rating 
curve fairly well defined 1911-12 and well defined 1913-1921 except for periods 
of shifting control. Records good. 

Monthly discharge of Laramie River at Tivo Rivers. Wyo., for 1911-1921. 


Month. 


1911. 


May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


The period. 


1911 - 12 . 


October.... 
April 5-30.. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 
September. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 




acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 


575 

90 

291 

17,900 

740 

141 

473 

28,100 

141 

4 

61.1 

3,760 

16 

1 

8.0 

492 

13 

0 

7.7 

458 




50,700 

33 

10 

23.0 

1,410 

422 

34 

96.7 

4,980 

595 

34 

180 

11,100 

1,360 

200 

826 

49,200 

555 

135 

272 

16,700 

495 

10 

108 

6,640 

71 

10 

29.9 

1,780 

































































218 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of Laramie River at Two Rivers, Wyo ., for 1911-1921 —Continued 


October... 
April 8-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


October. 

November 1-16 

April 14-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.. 

September. 


October... 
April 21-30 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August... 
September 


October. 

November 1-11 

May 5-31. 

June. 

July. 

August. 


April 16-30 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August- 

September. 


April 13-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


July 16-31. 

August 

September 


May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


October... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

125 

10 

69.7 

335 

115 

200 

187 

74 

113 

187 

51 

134 

115 

12 

40.8 

62 

12 

27.4 

115 

12 

64.0 

74 

20 

51.3 

74 

31 

60.6 

198 

122 

161 

1,420 

190 

589 

1,580 

254 

251 

790 

97 

180 

242 

30 

81.9 

200 

22 

60.7 

270 

56 

174 

186 

93 

125 

199 

80 

136 

395 

177 

276 

159 

28 

79.4 

37 

25 

30.2 

32 

22 

26.7 

107 

20 

68.8 

113 

75 

89.9 

446 

42 

280 

502 

183 

371 

180 

42 

95.0 

92 

12 

57.5 

251 

195 

224 

1,170 

140 

517 

2,560 

853 

1,870 

1,940 

302 

894 

289 

50 

137 

62 

48 

56.0 

217 

145 

188 

1,150 

168 

523 

1,850 

346 

1,180 

374 

100 

239 

90 

29 

55.2 

27 

21 

26.3 




13 

5 

7.8 

24 

2 

6.7 

7 

2 

4.5 

1,350 

2,030 

132 

499 

605 

1,260 

535 

74 

207 

120 

63 

84.0 

121 

55 

83.0 




98 

45 

76.7 

123 

35 

90.4 

1,650 

94 

480 

2,150 

480 

1,510 

450 

185 

'278 

196 

84 

140 

S9 

34 

52.9 


Month. 


1912-13. 


1913-14. 


1914-15. 


1915-16. 


1917. 


1918. 


1919. 


1920. 


1920-21. 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


4,290 

9,120 

6,950 

7,970 

2,510 

1,680 

3,810 


3,150 

1,920 

5,430 

36,200 

47,000 

11,100 

5,040 

3,610 


10,700 

2,480 

8,360 

16,400 

4,880 

1,860 

1,590 


4,230 
1,960 
15,000 
22,100 
5,840 
3,540 


6,660 

31,800 

111,000 

55,000 

8,420 

3,330 


6,710 

32.200 

70.200 
14,700 

3,390 

1,560 


129,000 


247 

412 

268 


30.700 
75,000 

12.700 
5,160 
4,940 


128,000 


4,720 
5,380 
29,500 
89,800 
17,100 
8,610 
3,150 


Note. —Records for 1914 revised 




































































































LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 


219 


LARAMIE RIVER NEAR LOOKOUT, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 33, T. 21 N., R. 74 W., at steel highway bridge 9 miles north¬ 
east of Lookout, in Albany County. No important tributary between station and 
Wheatland reservoir No. 2, a short distance downstream. 

Drainage area. —2.100 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming: scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —May 27, 1912, to August 31, 1917. State engineer maintained 
station during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage. —Bristol water-stage recorder on downstream side of right bridge abutment. 

Extremes of discharge. —1912-1917: Maximum stage occurred June 26, 1917, at a 
time when recording gage was not in operation; discharge as estimated from flow 
at other Laramie River stations, 3,100 second-feet; minimum flow recorded. 9 
second-feet on July 21, August 29, and September 10, 1913. 

Diversions. —By decree of district court dated December 27, 1912, there were ad¬ 
judicated diversions of 211 second-feet from Laramie River between Two Rivers 
and the Lookout station. 

Accuracy. —Gage heights from continuous record. Rating curve well defined. 
Records good, except for period of no gage heights, for which they are fair. 


Monthly discharge of Laramie River near Lookout, Wyo., for 1912-1917. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

\(av 97-SI 

1912. 

580 

395 

484 

4,810 

57,400 


1,710 

203 

964 | 


778 

192 

403 

24,800 
9,160 
5,530 


498 

52 

149 


153 

25 

93 












102,000 







1912-13. 

258 

88 

158 

9,720 


472 

135 

216 

13,300 


.507 

71 

265 

15,800 


135 

9 

47.6 

2,930 


88 

9 

37,3 

2,290 


125 

9 

51.7 

3,080 


« 






1913-14. 

98 

38 

63.6 

3,910 


284 

193 

236 

7,960 


2,190 

240 

758 

46,600 

83,300 


2,910 

360 

1,400 


310 

103 

188 

11,600 


336 

29 

no 

6,760 


166 

25 

52.4 

3,120 








1914-15. 

280 

100 

199 

12,200 


231 

131 

171 

3,050 


237 

88 

150 

9,220 


470 

114 

244 

14,500 


136 

35 

89.4 

5,500 


109 

19 

37.9 

2,330 


40 

17 

26.3 

1,560 








1915-16. 

114 

28 

69.8 

4,290 


91 

60 

70 

555 

14,800 

26,300 

7,320 

4.730 

2.730 


382 

80 

241 


651 

143 

442 


189 

69 

119 


297 

34 

20 

76.9 


91 

45. 8 








1916-17. 

, 42 

20 

32.1 

1,400 


1,860 

361 

994 

27,600 


1,380 

244 

656 

40,oUU 


3,100 

806 

1 , 900 

1 L«5, UUU 


2,200- 

430 

1,120 

oo,you 


430 

50 

no 

iU,OUU 











































































220 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


LARAMIE RIVER AT McGILL, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 24, T. 22 N., R. 74 W., a quarter of a mile east of McGill post office, 
in Albany County. No tributary between station and outlet of Wheatland 
reservoir No. 2, 1 mile upstream. 

Drainage area. —2,190 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —May 25, 1912, to September 30, 1915. State engineer main¬ 
tained station during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage.— Bristol water-stage recorder at left bank at nearest point to McGill post office. 
Gage maintained by State engineer was 400 feet downstream. 

Extremes of discharge. —1912-1915: Maximum stage recorded, 3.60 feet June 11, 
1914 (discharge, 1,630 second-feet); minimum flow recorded, 1 second-foot October 
27-28, November 1-2, 1912. Practically no flow during winter, as water is stored 
in Wheatland reservoir. 

Diversions. —No diversions between this station and Lookout (see next paragraph). 

Regulation. —Flow at the station shows effect of storage in Wheatland reservoir, 
which has an adjudicated decree for 633 second-feet and a storage capacity of 
approximately 110,000 acre-feet. Entire flow of Laramie River below Lookout 
passes through Wheatland reservoir. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily during 1912, after which time gage heights obtained 
from continuous record. Rating curve fairly well defined. Records fair. 

Monthly discharge of Laramie River at McGill , Wyo.,for 1912-1915. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-ofl in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1912. 





May 25-31. 

862 

540 

610 

8,470 


605 

302 

511 

30,400 

July. 

640 

471 

587 

36,100 

August. 

426 

5 

234 

14,400 

September. 

331 

3 

98.4 

5,860 

The period. 




95,200 

1912-13. 

• 



October. 

9 

1 

2.95 

181 

November. 

5 

1 

2. 63 

156 

May. 

632 

2 

312 

19,200 


620 

495 

576 

34,300 

July. 

568 

15 

341 

21,000 

August. 

453 

12 

242 

14,900 

September. 

179 

9 

57.5 

3)420 

1913-14. 





October. 

13 

2.5 

5.48 

337 

Mav 15-31. 

604 

37 

394 

13,300 

June. 

1,620 

51 

862 

v 51,300 

1915. 





May 17-31. 

470 

28 

280 

8,300 

July 3-31. 

770 

154 

565 

32,500 

August. 

565 

10 

221 

13,600 

September 1-13. 

154 

58 

93.3 

2,400 


Note.— Records for 1914 revised. 


LARAMIE RIVER BELOW McGILL, WYO. 

Location.— In sec. 33, T. 23 N., R. 73 W., at J. T. Dodge’s ranch, 8 miles below 
McGill, in Albany County. No tributary between station and outlet of Wheat 
land reservoir No. 2. 

Drainage area. —2,230 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— May 4, 1916, to September 14, 1917. 





































LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 


221 


Gage. Bristol water-stage recorder at left abutment of private bridge. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1916-17: Maximum stage recorded, 5.6 feet on June 
26-30, 1917 (discharge, 2,860 second-feet); minimum flow occurs during winter, 
when there is practically no flow owing to storage in Wheatland reservoir. 
Diversions.— One small diversion between this station and that near Lookout. 
Regulation.— Flow at this station shows effect of storage in Wheatland reservoir, 
which has an adjudicated decree for 633 second-feet and a storage capacity of 

about 110,000 acre-feet. Flow entirely regulated by reservoir, as river passes 
through it. 

Accuracy.— Gage heights from continuous record. Rating curve well defined. 
Records good. 


Monthly discharge of Laramie River below McGill , Wyo.,for 1916-1917. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

May 4-31. 

1916. 


7 


90 non 



**79 

oOl 

ftA 900 


A1 

79 

D/O 

90 000 

May 17-27. 

1917. 

*>0 

1 4 

04V 

4R ft 

999 

June 10-30. 

2,860 

2 700 

865 

720 

2,140 

1 500 

89 100 

July. 

97 800 

August. 

670 

408 

380 

141 

572 

279 

35 200 

September 1 to 14. 

7| 750 



LARAMIE RIVER NEAR WHEATLAND, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 35, T. 25 N., R. 69 W., at highway bridge at Wheeler ranch, 
10 miles northwest of Wheatland, in Platte County. Nearest tributary, Sibille 
Creek, enters half a mile below. 

Drainage area. —2,480 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available— April 13, 1912, to November 10, 1916. State engineer main¬ 
tained station during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage. —Chain gage on upstream side of bridge; read by John Wilkinson. During 1912 
a staff gage was at right bank 300 feet above bridge; no determined relation between 
gages. 

Extremes of discharge. —1912-1916: Maximum mean daily gage height, 6.6 feet 
on June 8, 1914 (discharge, 1,660 second-feet). No flow July 27, August 8-11, 
17 to September 11,13-14, 1916. 

Diversions. —By decree of district court dated December 27, 1912, there were adju¬ 
dicated diversions of 14 second-feet from Laramie River between the station at 
McGill and this station. In addition there is an adjudicated decree of 633 second - 
feet for storage in Wheatland reservoir, which has a capacity of about 110.000 acre- 
feet and is situated above McGill. Water from this reservoir passes McGill but 
is diverted above the Wheatland station. 

Regulation.— (See diversions.) 

Accuracy.— Gage read twice daily. Rating curve well defined. Records good. 

























222 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 
Monthly discharge of Laramie River near Wheatland , Wyo., for 1912-1916. 


Month. 


1912. 

April 13-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period.. 


1912-13. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1913-14. 

October. 

November. 

December DO. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


October... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


1914-15. 


1915-16. 

October. 

November. 

March 12-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August... 

September. 

October. 

November 1-10. 


Note.—R ecords for 1913 and 1914 revised. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

48 

5 

19.1 

684 

117 

15 

45.1 

2,770 

70 

3 

13.3 

791 

44 

4 

12.1 

744 

27 

3 

7.16 

440 

13 

2 

5.63 

335 




5, 760 

30 

7 

14.2 

873 

30 

9 

15.3 

910 

30 

4 

10.2 

627 

59 

9 

25.9 

1,540 

21 

4 

9.0 

553 

212 

9 

23.1 

1,370 

350 

2 

22.7 

1,400 

21 

2 

5.2 

320 

8 

3 

5.4 

321 

13 

8 

' 10.3 

633 

17 

8 

11.4 

678 

18 

10 

14.3 

170 

85 

18 

27.9 

1,660 

184 

24 

63.5 

3,900 

1,660 

31 

629 

37,400 

114 

45 

73.2 

4,500 

79 

13 

38.4 

2,360 

13 

8 

11.1 

660 

24 

8 

20.6 

1,270 

29 

12 

19.8 

1,180 

54 

11 

29.6 

1,820 

67 

22 

40.2 

2,390 

37 

4 

12.9 

793 

129 

7 

22.0 

1,350 

22 

5 

8.57 

510 

17 

8 

10.7 

658 

10 

6 

8.33 

496 

34 

14 

23.4 

928 

18 

8 

11.9 

708 

23 

2 

8.94 

550 

14 

1 

4.93 

293 

3 

0 

1.81 

111 

2 

0 

.45 

27.7 

2 

0 

.07 

39.9 

10 ! 

2 

6.25 

384 

6.4 

6 

6.16 

122 


LARAMIE RIVER AT UVA, WYO. 

Location.— In sec. 20, T. 25 N., R. 67 W., at railroad bridge half a mile east of Uva, 
in Platte County. Nearest tributary, North Laramie River, enters 1 mile 
upstream. 

Drainage area.— Not measured. 

Records available.— April 22, 1895, to October 28, 1899. 

Gage.— Vertical staff; read by J. A. Carley. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1895-1899: Maximum stage recorded, 6.0 feet June 27, 
1899 (discharge, 3,600 second-feet). No flow August 8, 1896; September 13-19, 
23-30, 1897; August 1-10, 1898. 

Accuracy.— Gage read once daily. Rating curves fairly well defined. Records fair 
to good. 




































































LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 


223 


Monthly discharge of Laramie River at Uva, Wyo., 1895 - 1899 . 


April 22-30. 

May. 

June.. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


October. 

November 1-20 

April 6-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


October 1-15 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


October. 

November 1-26 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


October 1-28 


Month. 


1895. 


1895-96. 


1896-97. 


1898. 


1898-99. 


1899. 


Discharge in second-feet. 





Run-off in 




acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 


720 

190 

323 

5,770 

1,850 

425 

805 

49,500 

3,110 

380 

1,610 

95,800 

620 

56 

223 

13,700 

100 

16 

38.1 

2,340 

16 

7 

9.6 

571 




1 AQ rwvi 

16 

7 

13.4 

lOo, UUU 

824 

22 

16 

18.4 

730 

260 

81 

163 

8,080 

470 

100 

260 

16', 000 

1,940 

22 

331 

19,700 

260 

4 

42.2 

2 ,590 

820 

0 

73.5 

4 ,520 

22 

4 

9.7 

577 

22 

10 

11.2 

333 

1,850 

120 

743 

44,200 

2,570 

670 

1,260 

77,500 

2,480 

120 

1,050 

62,500 

120 

10 

33.6 

2,070 

520 

4 

105 

6,460 

10 

0 

2.0 

119 

190 

42 

76.1 

4,530 

1,220 

49 

403 

24,800 

980 

81 

655 

39,000 

64 

0 

27.3 

1,680 

5 

0 

1.6 

98 

2 

1 

1.2 

71 




70 200 

4 

1 

2.2 

135 

15 

2 

7.9 

407 

3,300 

100 

1,090 

64,900 

2,500 

190 

1,170 

71,900 

3,600 

1,700 

2,670 

159,000 

2,900 

330 

1,520 

93,500 

300 

81 

204 

12,500 

140 

30 

55.8 

3,320 

140 

30 

72.4 

4,020 


Note.—R ecords have been revised since they were published originally. 


LARAMIE RIVER AT FORT LARAMIE, WYO. 

Location. —At highway bridge in sec. 28, T. 26 N., R. 64 W., at Fort Laramie, in 
Goshen County. No important tributary between station and mouth, 1^ miles 
below. 

Drainage area. —4, 580 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —April 4, 1915, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Vertical staff. 

Diversions. —By decree of district court dated December 27, 1912, there are adjudi¬ 
cated diversions of 61 second-feet between station below McGill and Fort Laramie. 

Regulation. —(See Laramie below McGill). 

Cooperation. —Complete records furnished by United States Reclamation Service. 



























































224 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of Laramie River at Fort Laramie , Wyo., for 1915-1921. 


Month. 

Dischai 

Maximum. 

•ge in second 

Minimum. 

-feet. 

Mean. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

1915. 

April 4-30. 

June. 

August. 

September. 

166 

241 

324 

1,600 

720 

284 

104 

61 

65 

8 

86 

86 

130 

144 

166 

176 

206 

169 

6,960 

8,850 

9,880 

10,800 

12,700 

10,100 





59,300 

1915-16. 





October.. 

228 

157 

181 

11,100 

November. 

182 

153 

160 

9,520 

May. 

149 

40 

89.5 

5,500 

June. 

41 

9.8 

20.6 

1,230 


9.8 

3.8 

6.20 

381 

August.V... 

91 

3.8 

10.1 

621 

September. 

13 

5.7 

7.90 

470 

1917. 





April. 

620 

20 

201 

12,000 


3,490 

292 

1,340 

82,400 

June. 

4,280 

1,640 

3,000 

179,000 


3,260 

270 

1,290 

79,300 

August. 

780 

79 

190 

11,700 

Sep~tember. 

118 

60 

90.6 

5,390 

The period. 




370,000 

1917-18. 





October. 

118 

43 

72.1 

4,430 

November. 

216 

118 

151 

8,980 

December. 

220 

148 

168 

10,300 

April. 

360 

245 

306 

18,200 


710 

280 

427 

26,300 

June. 

1,640 

280 

986 

58,700 


525 

155 

244 

15,000 

August. 

215 

105 

155 

9,530 

September. 

111 

90 

102 

6,070 

1919. 





April. 

313 

120 

231 

13,700 


238 

16 

89.7 

5,520 

June. 

91 

12 

23.9 

1,420 


820 

12 

69.6 

4,280 

August. 

16 

. 10 

12.3 

756 

September. 

35 

10 

20.0 

1,190 

The period. 




26,900 

1920. 




May. 

1,520 

425 

1,030 

63,300 

June. 

1,550 

425 

858 

51,100 

July. 

365 

66 

185 

11,400 

August. 

227 

66 

105 

6,460 

September. 

192 

76 

123 

7,320 

The period. 




140,000 

1921. 




April. 

195 

107 

146 

8,690 

May. 

446 

140 

239 

14,700 

June. 

1,940 

203 

1,280 

76,200 

July. 

752 

105 

236 

14,500 

August. 

140 

45 

77.5 

4,770 

September. 

45 

8 

29.2 

1,740 

The period. 




121,000 






LITTLE LARAMIE RIVER NEAR FILMORE, .WYO. 

[Known as Little Laramie River near Hatton in 1902-3.] 

Location. —In sec. 9, T. 15 N., It. 77 W., at private bridge at May’s ranch, 1£ miles 
south of Filmore, Albany County. No important tributary between station 
and junction of North, Middle, and South forks, 4 miles above. 























































































LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 


225 


Drainage area.— 
1:500,000). 


155 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale 


■Records available.— July 5,1902, to September 30,1903; May 14,1911, to September 
30, 1921. State engineer maintained station during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage.— Vertical staff at downstream end of left bridge abutment. Gage used since 

April 1, 1915, was referred to datum 0.21 foot lower than gage at same location 
used during 1911 and 1912. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1902, 1903; 1911-1921. Maximum stage recorded, 5.9 
feet at 7 a. m. June 1, 1914 (discharge, 2,400 second-feet); minimum stage re¬ 
corded, 0.25 foot September 19-20, 1913 (discharge, 1 second-foot). 

Diversions. Prior to July 1 , 1921, adjudicated diversions of 43 second-feet from the 
Little Laramie above station and 254 second-feet from tributaries entering above. 

Accuracy.— Gage read twice daily. Rating curve well defined except for periods 
of shifting control. Records good except from 1917 to 1920, for which they are 
considered excellent, and during winter for which they are fair. 


Monthly discharge of Little Laramie River near Filmore, Wyo.Jor 1902 190S 1911-1918, 

1915-1921. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Month. 


Maximum. Minimum. Mean. 


July 5-31... 

August. 

September. 


1902. 


The period. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1902-3. 


129 

43 

154 


53 

53 


196 

586 

1,720 

700 

98 


The year. 


May 14-31.. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1911. 


1,720 


The period. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1911-12. 


75 


107 

638 

1,440 

772 

375 

145 


The year. 


1,440 


43 

17 

10 


43 

29 


75.7 

27.6 

37.7 


64 

302 

98 

64 


46.2 

39.3 
30 
25 
25 
30 

115 

222 

1,220 

207 

65 

50 


555 

177 

287 

930 

212 

530 

225 

68 

128 

68 

12 

39.4 

27 

12 

18.8 


17 


66 

435 

215 

64 

46 


173 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


37.9 

25 

25 

20 

20 

25 

42 

220 

912 

377 

126 

74.7 


159 


4,050 

1,700 

2,240 


7,990 


2.840 
2,340 

1.840 
1,540 
1,390 

1.840 

6.840 

13.600 

72.600 
12,700 

4,000 

2,980 


125,000 


10,200 
31,500 
7,870 
2,420 
1,120 


53,100 


2,330 
1,490 
1,540 
1,230 
1,150 
1,540 
2,500 
13,500 
54,300 
23,200 
7,750 
4,440 


115,000 





















































































226 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

Monthly discharge of Little Laramie River near Filmore, Wyo ., for 1902,1903,1911,1913 7 

1915-1921 —Continued. 


October. 

November_ 

December. 

January. 

February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June... 

July. 

August. 

September- 

The year 


October... 
November. 
December. 
January... 
February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


The year. 


October.. 

November_ 

December. 

January. 

February.. 

March. 

April..... 

May. 

June.. 

July. 

August. 

September_ 

The year 


October. 

November_ 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September_ 

The year 


October. 

November_ 

December. 

January.. 

February.. 

March. 

April. 

May.. 

June.. 

July. 

August. 

September_ 

The year 


Month. 


1912-13. 


1913-14. 


1914-15. 


1915-16. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


1916-17. 


107 


107 

802 

712 

275 

68 

16 


802 


42 


150 

1,420 

2,400 

338 

127 

35 


2,400 


Minimum. 


35 


152 

470 

735 

152 

79 

67 


735 


79 


430 

388 

656 

178 

127 

36 


656 


47 


102 
388 
1,840 
1 , 220 
192 
56 


1,840 


41 


Mean. 


.54 

170 

61 

13 

1 


13 


98 

175 

89 

35 

20 


77.2 

50 

40 

35 

35 

40 

64 

337 

375 

110 

35.0 

8.8 


101 


18.4 
20 
15 
15 
15 
25 
80 

375 

692 

163 

55.0 

26.4 


125 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


20 


29 

61 

140 

44 

27 

20 


28.5 

35 

30 

25 

25 

28 

55.8 

200 

317 

70.7 

41.2 

37.0 


74.5 


36 


13 

33 

190 

73 

27 

12 


19 


54 

251 

208 

53 

30 


45.0 

35 

30 

25 

25 

25 

94.4 

209 

405 

114 

57.0 

18.8 


90.3 


1 , 


28.2 

20 

18 

18 

15 

18 

62 

191 

130 

572 

96.3 

38.9 


184 


4,750 
2,980 
2,460 
2,150 
1,940 
2,460 
3,810 
20,700 
22,300 
6,760 
2,150 
524 


73,000 


1,130 
1,190 
922 
922 
833 
1,540 
4,760 
23,100 
41,200 
10,000 
3,380 
1,570 


90,500 


1,750 
2,080 
1,840 
1,540 
1,390 
1,720 
3,320 
12,300 
18,900 
4,350 
2,530 
2,200 


53,900 


2,770 
2,080 
1,840 
1,540 
1,440 
1,540 
5,620 
12,900 
24,100 
7,010 
3,500 
1,120 


65,500 


1,730 
1,190 
1,110 
1,110 
833 
1,110 
3,690 

11,700 

67.200 

35.200 
5,920 
2,310 


133,000 




















































































































LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 227 

Monthly discharge aj Little Laramie River near Filmore, Wyo., for 1902,1903,1911-1913 

1915-1921 — Continued. 


Month. 


October. 

November_ 

December.. 

January.. 

February. 

March.. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


1917-18. 


1918-19. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1919-20. 

October.•.. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1920-21. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

Febmarv. 

March 15-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


Y 


45 

46 


93 

611 

1,600 

436 

102 

62 


1,600 


Minimum. Mean. 


59 


94 

832 

365 

148 

148 

13 


832 


39 


87 
1,070 
1, 520 
344 
128 
70 


1,520 


49 

46 


48 

84 

1,100 

1,640 

306 

152 

42 


1,640 


28 

29 


28 

56 

285 

87 

29 

29 


1 , 


31.3 

37.7 
25 
25 
20 
40 

51.8 
222 
030 
211 

58.9 
44.5 


149 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


28 


21 

80 

87 

24 

8 

7 


38.1 

30 

25 

20 

20 

25 

50.5 
305 
187 

52.7 

26.5 
9.5 


66.2 


22 

87 

460 

87 

50 

33 


17.9 

10 

15 

15 

15 

20 

50.7 
280 
929 
182 

87.0 

43.7 


33 

32 


33 

62 

330 

101 

44 

23 


138 


37.9 

40.1 

25 

20 

20 

25 

46.0 

287 

941 

193 

79.7 

29.6 


145 


1,920 
2,240 
1,540 
1,540 
1,110 
2,460 
3,080 
13,600 
61,300 
13,000 
3,620 
2,650 


108,000 


2,340 
1,790 
1,540 
1,230 
1,110 
1,540 
3,000 
18,800 
11,100 
3,240 
1,630 
565 


47,900 


1,100 
595 
922 
922 
863 
1,230 
3,020 

17.200 
55,300 

11.200 
5,350 
2,600 


100,000 


2,330 

2,390 

1,540 

1,230 

1,110 

1,540 

2,740 

17,600 

56,000 

11,900 

4,900 

1,760 


105,000 


Note.— Records for 1902 and 1913 revised. Winter records estimated. 


LITTLE LARAMIE RIVER AT TWO RIVERS, WYO. 


Location. —On line between secs. 5 and 6, T. 17 N., R. 74 W., at highway bridge 
half a mile south of Two Rivers, Albany County. No tributary between station 

and mouth, half a mile below. 

Drainage area.— 310 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 





























































































228 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION * 


Records available. —May 1, 1911, to September 30, 1921. State engineer main¬ 
tained station during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage. —Stevens water-stage recorder installed May 4, 1921, at site and datum of 
Bristol gage used previously. Gage used during 1913 and 1914 was 400 feet down 
stream and referred to different datum. 

Extremes of discharge. —1911-1921: Maximum discharge recorded, 5.60 feet on 
June 4, 1914 (discharge, 1,740 second-feet). River frequently is dry in the fall 
owing to irrigation above. 

Diversions. —Prior t o July 1,1921, adjudicated diversions from Little Laramie River 
of 422 second-feet between Filmore and Two Rivers stations. 

Accuracy. —Gage heights from continuous record. Rating curve well defined, but 
applied indirectly during 1918. Records good except from 1918 to 1921, for which 
they are fair. 

Monthly discharge of Little Laramie River at Two Rivers, Wyo., for 1911-1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1911. 






6 

0 

3.08 

189 


495 

27 

169 

10,100 


38 

0 

9. 21 

566 

August. 

0 

0 

0 

0 

September. 

0 

0 

0 

0 

The period. 


1 

10,900 

1911-12. 




October. 

18 

0 

4.07 

250 

November 1-4. 

27 

22 

25.8 

205 

April 11-30.. 

68 

16 

35.3 

1,400 


60 

16 

32.3 

1,990 


618 

46 

310 

18,500 


305 

16 

136 

8,360 

August. 

135 

10 

41.1 

2,530 

September. 

94 

10 

43.9 

2,610 

1912-13. 





October. 

94 

24 

57.5 

3,540 

April 14-30. 

137 

30 

68.2 

2, 300 


328 

30 

81.0 

4.980 


345 

10 

121 

7‘, 200 


33 

0 

8.6 

'529 

August. 

33 

0 

9.4 

578 

September. 

6 

0 

2.1 

125 

1913-14. 





October. 

25 

6 

16.2 

996 

November 1-16. 

45 

17 

25.7 

815 

April 14-30. 

74 

41 

55.4 

1,870 


826 

22 

190 

11,700 


1,740 

31 

503 

29,900 


62 

2 

13.4 

824 

August. 

76 

3 

19.5 

1,200 

September. 

5 

1 

2.23 

133 

1914-15. 





October. 

20 

3 

9.9 

609 

April 21-30. 

116 

29 

54.0 

1,070 


79 

5 

28.4 

1,750 


238 

9 

56.2 

3,340 


11 

.2 

3.23 

199 

August. 

8 

.3 

2.01 

124 

September. 

6 

.5 

1.75 

104 

1915-16. 





October... 

38 

. 7 

11.4 

701 

May 4-31. 

10 

1 

3.54 

197 

Juno. 

110 

5 

44.2 

2,630 


3 

0 

.78 

48 

August 12-31. 

6 

2 

3.10 

123 




























































LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 229 


Monthly discharge of Little Laramie River at Two Rivers, Wyo.,for 1911-1921 —Contd. 


Month. 

Dischai 

Maximum. 

■ge in second 

Minimum. 

-feet. 

Mean. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

1917. 





April 16-30... 

112 

55 

90.0 

2,680 


592 

55 

171 

10,500 


1,220 

78 

665 

39,600 


940 

129 

395 

24; 300 

August 1-18. 

105 

14 

37.1 

1,320 

September 15-22. 

2 

1 

1.5 

24 

1918. 





April 13-30. 

120 

37 

69.6 

2,480 


219 

31 

54.2 

3,330 


1,240 

148 

780 

46,400 


138 

28 

78.9 

4,850 

August. 

25 

.6 

12.0 

738 

September. 

5.6 

.8 

3.93 

234 

The period. 




58,000 

191&-19. 




October 1-16. 

9.4 

4.6 

6.40 

203 

April. 

102 

10 

62.3 

3,710 

May 1-11. 

47 

24 

35.7 

780 

June 9-30. 

41 

11 

20.6 

899 


9.2 

0 

1.45 

89 

1920. 






290 

33 

76.3 

4,690 


1,180 

195 

558 

33,200 


155 

27 

53.6 

3,300 

August.. 

63 

32 

44.7 

2,750 

September. 

40 

4 

18.3 

1,090 

The period. 




45,000 






1920-21. 





October. 

32 

4 

12.7 

781 


830 

13 

107 

6,580 

June... 

1,370 

132 

842 

50,100 


141 

28 

66.6 

4,100 

August... 

37 

7 

22.8 

1,400 

September. 

12 

2 

5.8 

345 


Note.—R ecords for 1914 revised. 


SIBILLE CREEK NEAR WHEATLAND, WYO. 

Location.— In sec. 35, T. 25 N., R. 69 W., just above highway bridge half a mile 
above mouth and 10 miles northwest of Wheatland, in Platte County. No 
tributary between station and mouth. 

Drainage area. —568 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000. 

Records available. —May 23 to December 16, 1912; April 1, 1914, to November 
10, 1916. State engineer maintained station during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage.— Vertical staff at left bank 150 feet above bridge, read by John Wilkinson. 
Gage used in 1912 was at opposite bank, and referred to datum 0.15 foot lower. 

Extremes op discharge— 1912, 1914-1916: Maximum stage recorded, 2.95 feet at 
7 p. m. August 2, 1912 (discharge, 490 second-feet). No flow July 1-3, 24-31, 
August and September, 1916. 

Diversions. —By decree of district court dated December 27, 1912, adjudicated 
diversions of 187 second-feet from Sibille Creek, and 35 second-feet from tribu¬ 
taries, all above station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily during 1912, and twice daily 1914-1916. Rating 
curve well defined below 150 second-feet. Records good up to 150 second-feet, 
above which they are fair. • 




























































230 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of Sibille Creek near Wheatland , Wyo.,for 1912 , 1914-1916. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

\fft.v 93 31 

1912. 

192 

34 

141 

2,520 


390 

8 

96.1 

5,720 


52 

4 

17.9 

1,100 


490 

14 

105 

6.460 

September . 

180 

14 

37.0 

2,200 

October . 

40 

8 

20.1 

1.240 

November . 

65 

24 

46.0 

2,740 

T)pppmhpr l-1f> _ _ _ 

65 

46 

.53.4 

1,690 






The nerind 





23,700 






•\ nril . 

1914. 

215 

80 

108 

6,430 


2.50 

7 

86.8 

5,340 


165 

2 

37.6 

2,240 


145 

l 

13.2 

810 

August. 

112 

2 

23.6 

1,450 

Spntpmher ___ _ 

8 

l 

2.1 

125 






The period 





16, 400 

Optobpr _ 

1914-15. 

23 

2 

7.71 

474 

April. 

42 

16 

29.1 

1,730 
1,900 


66 

12 

31.9 

June. 

58 

1 

14.1 

839 

July. 

252 

1 

24.6 

1.510 

August. 

252 

2 

40.1 

2, 470 

Spntpmhpr_ _ _ 

39 

1 

10.3 

613 

Ootobpr_ 

1915-16. 

28 

6 

13.6 

836 

November. 

31 

10 

20.5 

1,220 

March 12-31. 

94 

52 

68.3 

2, 710 

2,540 

April. 

55 

17 

42.7 

Mav........ 

122 

2 

27.5 

1,690 

June_ 

• 

22 

1 

4.27 

254 

July. 

1.2 

0 

.35 

21.5 

August. 


.00 

0 

September. 



.00 

.54 

0 

October. 

1.9 

0 

33.2 

November 1-10. 

2.0 

1. 5 

1.78 

35.3 



NORTH LARAMIE RIVER AT UPPER STATION NEAR WHEATLAND, WYO. 

% 

Location. —In sec. 2, T. 25 N., R. 70 W., a quarter of a mile above headgate of North 
Laramie Land Co.’s ditch and 18 miles northwest of Wheatland, in Platte County. 
No important tributary within 10 miles of station. 

Drainage area.— 366 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— November 6, 1914, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Bristol water-stage recorder from November 6,1914, to March 7,1918, at which 
time a Stevens 8-day recording gage was installed at left bank on vertical cliff 
just below proposed dam site; both referred to same datum. 

Extremes of discharge. —1915—1921: Maximum stage, 6.2 feet from high-water 
mark of April 7, 1920 (discharge, 3,020 second-feet); mininum discharge, no flow 
during greater part of July, August, and September, 1919. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 37 second-feet from 
North Laramie River above station, and 27 second-feet below. 

Accuracy. —Gage heights from water-stage recorder, the operation of which was not 
satisfactory. Rating curve well defined. Records fair 1914-1916, good during 
1917, 1919, 1920, excellent during 1918, and fair during 1921. 






















































LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 


231 


Monthly discharge of North Laramie River at upper station , near Wheatland. Wyo., for 

19U-1921. 



Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

y’iW 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

November 6-19. 

1914-15. 

8 

5 

6.5 

180 

47.6 

2,520 

7,870 

6,720 

3,240 

5 670 

March 27-31. 

8 

98 

188 

175 

75 

3 

4.8 

42.3 

128 

April. 

5 

May. 

82 

56 

30 

45 

40 

s 


113 


52.7 

August. 

338 

92.2 

Sentember__ 

68 

45 

18 

54.8 

3,260 

1 400 

October.. 

1915-16. 

22.8 

6. 2 

November. 

0 

1 

369 

December 1-7. 

6 

3.0 

125 

41.7 

April. 

166 

63 

71 

7 

7,440 
5,800 

2,160 
59.5 

May... 

145 

94.4 

June. 

106 

36.3 

3.75 

July 1-8_ 

6 

2 





Aoril__ 

1917. 

560 

29 

141 

198 

203 

681 

518 

88. 8 

12,100 

May. . . 

1 260 

41,900 

June... 

1 270 

36; 800 
5,460 

July. 

7 172 

22 

August... 

29 

20 

25.4 

1,560 

Sentember.. 

20 

12 

16.6 

'988 




The period.... 





92,800 

1,190 

October_ 

1917-18. 

23 

16 

19.3 

November. 

23 

20 

22.0 

1,310 

December 1-7. 

23 

20 

20.9 

290 

March 24-31.. 

126 

78 

101 

1,600 

April. 

275 

57 

137 

8,150 


488 

141 

262 

16,100 

June.. 

153 

19 

63.6 

3,780 

1,150 


31 

11 

18.7 

August... 

25 

.6 

7.45 

458 

Sp.ntfvmhftr.. 

13 

2.4 

6.89 

410 

October_ 

1918-19. 

35 

7.0 

10.7 

658 

November 1-23. 

13 

6.2 

9.28 

423 

April 14-30. 

152 

35 

81.4 

2,740 


110 

17 

51.7 

3,180 

Jnnp... 

24 

2 

12.6 

750 

November 18-26 

1919-20. 

6 

4 

5.0 

79 

March 17-31. 

100 

16 

38.0 

1,130 

April... 

2,860 

12 

368 

21.900 


955 

275 

616 

37,900 


245 

36 

92.8 

5,520 

July. 

63 

21 

26.1 

1,600 

A 11 post, '... 

40 

15 

20.4 

1,250 

Sentember .. 

15 

7 

10.4 

619 







October 

1920-21. 



10 

615 

November . 



12 

714 

April . 

180 

26 

89.7 

5,340 


485 

160 

240 

14,800 


900 

77 

256 

15,200 

July. 

81 

42 

55.4 

3,410 

A ntnist . 

42 

8 

27.5 

i,oy0 




10 

595 





--- 


Note. —Practically no flow after June 30, 1919. 


NORTH LARAMIE RIVER NEAR WHEATLAND, WYO. 

Location —In sec. 6, T. 25 N., R. 69 W., at Wilson’s ranch, 17 miles northwest of 
Wheatland, in Platte County, 1 mile below the headgate of the North Laramie 
Land Co.’s ditch. 


105707 — 23 — wsp 469 - 16 












































































232 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Drainage area. —370 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —February 15, 1912, to November 9, 1914. State engineer 
maintained station during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage. —Vertical staff. 

Extremes of discharge. —1912-1914: Maximum stage recorded, 3.8 feet May 
3-4,1914 (discharge, 665 second-feet); minimum stage recorded 1.0 foot July 13-19, 
1914 (discharge, 1 second-foot). 

Diversions. —Between this station and upper station, North Laramie Land Co.’s 
ditch diverts water. 

Accuracy. —Gage probably read once daily. Rating curve well defined below 100 
second-feet. Records good below 100 second-feet; fair above. 


Monthly discharge of North Laramie River near Wheatland , Wyo., for 1912-1914. 


Month. 

* - * 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1912. 





March 15-31. 

12 

5.5 

7.9 

266 

April. 

345 

7.0 

94.5 

5,620 


580 

108 

317 

.19,500 


108 

12 

51.3 

3,050 


24 

5.5 

12.3 

756 

August. 

108 

4.0 

10.4 

640 

September. 

5.5 

4.0 

4.1 

244 

The period... . 




30,100 

1912-13. 




October. 

12 

2.5 

4.4 

271 

November. 

12 

1.0 

6.6 

393 

December. 



5.5 

338 

May 8-31. 

90 

13 

34.2 

1,630 

June. 

441 

13 

60.8 

3,620 

July. 

13 

3 

6.7 

412 

August. 

7 

2 

3.0 

184 

September. 

3 

2 

2.0 

119 

1913-14. 





October. 

3 

2 

2.4 

148 

April 5-30. 

205 

20 

84.4 

4,350 

May. 

665 

30 

225 

13,800 

June. 

30 

7 

20.0 

1,190 


7 

1 

3.3 

203 

August. 

13 

3 

3.8 

234 

September. 

3 

3 

3.0 

179 

October. 

7 

3 

5.6 

344 

November 1-9. 

3 

3 

3.0 

55 


Note.—R ecords for 1914 revised. 


CHTJGWATER CREEK AT CHUGWATER, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 31, T. 21 N., R. 66 W., at highway bridge half a mile from railroad 
station at Chugwater, Platte County. No tributary within several miles. 

Drainage area. —359 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 

' 1:500,000). 

Records available. —May 22, 1911, to September 30, 1921. State engineer main¬ 
tained station during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage. —Chain gage at left bank 300 feet above bridge, installed April 6, 1916, at the 
same datum and location as vertical staff previously used. Prior to February 6 
1912, gage was on bridge and referred to different datum. 

Extremes of discharge. —1911-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 4.5 feet at 8 a. m. 
September 4, 1915 (discharge, 350 second-feet). Minimum discharge, stream dry 
on several days during 1913. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions from Chugwater Creek of 
75 second-feet above station, and 98 second-feet below. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curves fairly well defined. Records 
good except during 1921, for which they are fair. 


















































LARAMIE RIVER BASIN 


233 


Monthly discharge of Chugwater Creek at Chnguater, Wyo.,for 1911-1921. 


May 22-31.. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

Sept ember. 

The period 


October... 
November. 
December. 
January... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


The year 


October. 

November 1-7 

April. 

May.. 

June. 

July. 

August.. 

September.... 


October... 
November 
December. 
January... 
February. 

March. 

April. 

May 1-20.. 
June 9-30.. 
July. 


January.. 
February 
March.... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August... 


The period 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


Month. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Run-off in 


1911. 


1911-12. 


1912-13. 


1913-14. 


1914 15. 


1915-16. 





acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 


3 

2 

2.50 

50 

26 

1 

1.90 

113 

62 

1 

4.13 

254 

42 

2 

4.29 

264 

3 

2 

2.10 

129 








oil) 

6 

2 

4.10 

252 

15 

3 

9.27 

3 no 

552 




184 

3 

2 

2.91 

179 

4 

3 

3.24 

186 

24 

4 

7.29 

448 

42 

12 

27.1 

1,610 

156 

42 

98.5 

6,050 

84 

6 

32.7 

1,950 

57 

4 

9.23 

568 

245 

14 

42.2 

2,590 

186 

10 

42.5 

2,530 

245 


23.6 

17,100 

33 

26 

29.5 

1,810 

29 

29 

29.0 

404 

170 

54 

98.0 

5,830 

47 

8 

26.6 

1,640 

46 

4 

8.2 

'488 

56 

2 

7.5 

461 

23 

0 

4.5 

277 

4 

0 

1.5 

89 

45 

0 

8.0 

492 

10 

1 

7.3 

434 

7 

0 

3.5 

215 

10 

2 

5.3 

326 

16 

4 

8.3 

461 

30 

10 

22.6 

1,390 

99 

29 

67.8 

4,030 

121 

9 

72.8 

2,890 

12 

6 

9.0 

393 

9 

4 

5.1 

314 

34 

21 

31.2 

1,920 

34 

22 

27.4 

1,520 

42 

27 

36.5 

2,240 

94 

34 

51.2 

3,050 

79 

14 

36.1 

2,220 

56 

11 

32.1 

1,910 

99 

7 

19.2 

952 

60 

18 

32.4 

1,990 




15,S00 




• 

42 

26 

31.2 

1,920 

34 

10 

24.6 

1,460 

27 

12 

18.8 

1,160 

16 

12 

13.4 

824 

30 

13 

20.3 

1,170 

90 

14 

41.4 

2,550 

48 

14 

28.2 

1,680 

13 

4.9 

7.16 

440 

5.3 

3.9 

4.85 

289 

3.1 

2.7 

2.92 

180 

3.0 

2.5 

2.64 

162 

3.1 

2.6 

2.68 

159 

90 

2.5 

16.5 

12,000 


































































































234 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of Chugwater Creek at Chugwater, Wyo.,for 1911-1921 Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

1916-17. 

5.1 

3.0 

3.69 

227 


4.0 

3.4 

3.54 

211 


7.6 

3.5 

4.36 

268 


3.7 

2.6 

3.04 

187 


11.3 

2.7 

4.35 

242 


17 

5.1 

9.26 

569 


97 

16 

44.8 

2,670 


263 

48 

122 

7,500 


275 

31 

129 

7,680 


39 

10 

18.8 

1,160 


36 

12 

19.5 

1,200 

September . 

26 

15 

18.8 

1,120 

The year.-. 

275 

2.6 

31.8 

23,000 

nefnher _ 

1917-18. 

23 

15 

17.3 

1,060 

November. 

33 

20 

25.7 

1,530 

December.. . 

36 

14 

22.2 

1,360 

.Tarmarv... . 

30 

14 

19.0 

1,170 

"PAVirnarv. . 

28 

14 

20.4 

1,130 

M areh. 

74 

15 

37.8 

2,320 

April,.. ... 

108 

70 

78.9 

4; 690 


74 

22 

45.5 

2,800 

3,820 


208 

27 

64.2 

July. 

104 

10 

20.9 

C290 

An'smst .. ..... 

83 

10 

17.1 

1,050 

September. 

14 

10 

12.2 

726 

The vear .. 

208 

10 

31.7 

22,900 





October_ 

1918-19. 

15 

12 

13.3 

818 

November. 

17 

6.9 

13.4 

797 

December. 

19 

7.0 

10.6 

652 

January. 

14 

6.8 

9.75 

600 

February. 

14 

6.4 

9. 83 

546 

March. 

28 

7.4 

17.7 

1,090 

April. 

53 

18 

35.3 

2,100 


14 

3.4 

6. 78 

417 


4.1 

2.7 

3.30 

196 


26 

2.3 

4.95 

304 

August. 

74 

2.5 

5.66 

348 

Sftntftmbftr.. 

52 

2.7 

5.54 

330 



The year . 


74 

2.3 

11.3 

8,200 



October_ 

1919 -20. 

5.9 

3.1 

4.72 

290 

November . 

5.9 

3.1 

4.21 

251 

December . 

3.8 

1.2 

2.70 

166 

January . 

8.6 

2.7 

3. 84 

236 

February . 

13 

5.2 

3.0 

8.96 
8.33 
24.8 
120 

515 

543 

1,480- 

7,380 

1,290 

935 

1,990 

1,110 

March..! . 

12 

April. 

66 

3.5 

42 

May . 

215 

June. 

,80 

8.3 

21.7 

Julv. 

52 

6.4 

15.2 

32.4 

18.7 

August. 

257 

12 

Sentember __ 

29 

13 



The year . 


257 

1.2 

22.3 

16,200 



October . 

1920-21. 

16 

13 

14.4 

15.5 
11.8 

11.5 

17.5 

41.3 
13.8 

12.4 
19.7 
12.2 

20.6 
7.42 

885 

922 

726 

707 

972 

2,-540 

821 

762 

1,170 

750 

1 970 

November . 

24 

8.0 

7.5 

7.5 

10 

29 

9.2 

9.2 

9.0 

4.1 

7.0 

6.4 

December . 

26 

January. 

18 

34 

February. 

March . 

51 

April . 

27 


18 


40 


70 

August. 

91 

Sentember _ 

12 

442 



The vear. 


91 

4.1 

16.5 

12,000 

. 


Note. —Records for 1913 and 1914 revised 



















































































































LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 


235 


IRRIGATION. 

With reference to irrigation the Laramie River basin can be naturally divided 
into three sections—the narrow mountain valley in Colorado; the Laramie Plains, 
extending from a point 10 miles below the State line to the canyon below the 
Wheatland reservoir No. 2; and the part of the basin below the canyon. 

In the upper section the elevation of the irrigable area ranges from 7,500 feet at 
the State line to 8,500 feet at the upper end. Owing to the short growing season, 
native hay is practically the only crop, as stock raising is the principal industry. 

On the Laramie Plains irrigation is much more extensive and has reached a higher 
stage of development, a number of large irrigation projects having been constructed. 
The chief crop is native hay, although alfalfa and grain are also raised, as the Laramie 
Plains are primarily a stock-raising country. Irrigation of hay ceases about July 15, 
but other crops are irrigated somewhat later. 

In the lower valley, where the irrigable area lies chiefly between elevations of 
4,500 and 5,000 feet, the growing season is longer and irrigation extends from the 
middle of May to the middle of September. The chief crops, named in order of 
importance, are alfalfa, wheat, sugar beets, and oats. 

The following table, compiled from various sources, is as close an estimate as can 
be given in the absence of a detailed survey. 


Areas irrigable and irrigated in Laramie River basin, in acres. 


Portion of basin. 

Irrigable. 

Irrigated. 

Upper basin in Colorado. 

4,000 

3,000 

Laramie Plains: 

Laramie. Water Co. finelndinp Pioneer eanaP. 

83,000 

a 30,000 
11,000 
13,500 
7,000 
16,000 
50,000 

17,000 

1,500 
9,000 
13,500 
7,000 
16,000 
48,300 

James Lake district— 

..Under .Tames Lake. 

Oasis dit.eh ..... 

Riverside ran eh ... 

Roncrht.on diteh . 

Minor dit.ehes from Laramie River. .... 

T ittle Laramie and tributaries. 

Basin below Laramie Plains: 

WLeatland nroieet. ....... 

210,500 

112,300 

77,000 
10,000 
6,000 
5,000 
17,000 

37,000 
5,000 
6,000 
5,000 
15,000 

"Wnrth T.flramifl Rivpr ...- - 





115,000 

68,000 

329,500 

183,300 



a Gross area under system; amount irrigable will depend on water supply, which is insufficient for 

entire area. 


Of the total irrigable area of 330,000 acres, 216,000 acres is comprised in six projects, 
the Wheatland, Laramie Water Co., James Lake, Riverside ranch, Boughton ditch, 
and North Laramie Land Co. The remainder of the area is under many small ditches 
and includes lands near the streams. 

LARAMIE RIVER. 

The Wheatland project, which is the oldest and furthest developed in the basin, 
was started by the Wyoming Development Co. in the eighties and has gradually been 
enlarged by the constiuction of additional units until at present it comprises 77,000 
acies susceptible of irrigation, of which 37,000 acres is irrigated. The lands lie on the 
south side of Laramie River between Chugwater and Sibille creeks near Wheatland. 
Water is stored in Wheatland reservoir No. 2, which is in the channel of Laiamie River 







































236 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


at the lower end of the Laramie Plains. From this reservoir water is released during the 
irrigation season and allowed to flow down the river to the intake of the tunnel, in 
sec. 36, T. 23 N., R. 72 W. After passing the tunnel it flows into Bluegrass Creek and 
down the channel of that stream into Sibille Creek, from which it is diverted into the 
canal system heading in sec. 13, T. 22 N., R. 70 W. The reservoir, known as Wheat- 
land reservoir No. 2, is formed by an earth dam originally 40 feet high, riprapped on 
the upstream face. The outlet has four gates, each 7 by 4 feet, discharging into two 
tubes. The spillway, which is at the extreme north end. has a maximum capacity 
(with outlet gates) of 3,000 second-feet. The tunnel, which is cut through solid rock, 
has an opening 8 by 10 feet and is 2,985 feet long, having a grade of 60 feet to the mile. 
Its capacity is about 800 second-feet. The net duty of water on this project is from 
2.5 to 3.0 acre-feet per acre. 

The Laramie Water Co., formed by a consolidation of several irrigation interests, 
operates a system southwest of Laramie on the west side of the river. The system 
is composed of two distinct units—the Pioneer canal, which is one of the oldest 
canals in the plains and was acquired with an obligation to furnish watei to 
those holding water rights under the canal, and the recently constructed Lake 
Hattie unit. The irrigable area tributary to the Pioneer canal and possible laterals and 
extensions is 40,000 acres, of which 15,000 acres is irrigated. The gross area irrigable 
under the Lake Hattie unit as now constructed is 43,000 acres, of which perhaps 2,000 
acres is irrigated. The intake for both units is the Pioneer canal, which diverts water 
from Laramie River in sec. 36, T. 14 N., R. 77 W. It extends for a distance of 4 miles 
to Sodergreen Lake, having a capacity of 1,200 second-feet. Here it divides, the origi¬ 
nal Pioneer canal continuing in a course parallel to Laramie River at an average dis¬ 
tance of 3 miles from it, for a distance of 25 miles. The other branch from Sodergreen 
Lake is the main source of supply for Lake Hattie. The Lake Hattie unit consists of 
the Lake Hattie reservoir, between Laramie and Little Laramie rivers, which has one 
supply ditch from Laramie River through the Pioneer canal and a second from Little 
Laramie River. Lake Hattie, a natural lake, was turned into a reservoir by the con¬ 
struction of an earth dam having a maximum height of 48 feet and a crest length of 
6,000 feet faced with a 6-inch layer of reinforced concrete. The total capacity of the 
reservoir is 110,000 acre-feet, with a possible draft of 60,000 acre-feet, leaving 50,000 
acre-feet as dead storage below the elevation of the outlet. From the outlet a ditch 
known as the North canal extends northwestward to a point several miles beyond the 
Pioneer canal, lying parallel to it at an average distance of half a mile. Although the 
Lake Hattie unit has been practically completed for several years, very little land under 
it has been settled. The company itself owns only a few thousand acres, expecting to 
sell water to the lands covered by the canal. 

The James Lake project, which is owned by the Laramie Valley Irrigation district, 
a municipal district organized under the State laws, lies on both sides of Laramie 
River near its junction with the Little Laramie. The project consists of two distinct 
units, one on the east side of the river, irrigated by the Oasis ditch, and the other on 
the west side, irrigated from James Lake. The area susceptible of irrigation in the 
first unit is about 9,000 acres, and that in the second unit 30,000 acres. The actual 
area that can be irrigated from James Lake depends entirely upon the water 
supply, which is inadequate for the entire amount. The Oasis ditch, which was 
constructed before the formation of the district in 1908, diverts water from Laramie 
River in sec. 19, T. 17 N., R. 73 W., and irrigates a strip of land from 1 to 2 miles 
wide paralleling the river for a distance of 15 miles. This strip contains 11,000 
acres, of which 9,000 acres is included in the irrigation district. James Lake, a 
natural lake in the northeast comer of T. 17 N., R. 76 W., was turned into a reservoir 
by the construction of an earth dam 30 feet high. Its capacity is 41,000 acre-feet with 
a ma xim u m draft of 30 feet, and its high-water area 1,400 acres. The water supply is 
received through a ditch that diverts water from Little Laramie River in sec. 2, T. 


LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 


237 

15 N., R. 77 W., and carries it northward for 14 miles, emptying into Sevenmile Creek 
4 miles above its entrance to James Lake. The ditch intercepts Mill Creek. As an 
additional source of supply Fourmile Creek has been diverted into James Lake. The 
main outlet ditch from James Lake has a capacity of 300 second-feet for a distance of 
4,000 feet. It then divides into the North and South canals, which cover lands lying 
between the reservoir and Laramie River. 

One of the oldest ranches on the Laramie Plains is the Riverside 
ranch, in T. 14 N., Rs. 75 and 76W., on both sides of Laramie River. 
Here four ditches irrigate the bottom and first bench lands, com¬ 
prising a tract from 2 to 4 miles wide and 12 miles long. The irrigated 
area of 13,500 acres is either native hay meadow or pasture land. 
The ranch was sold some years ago, and an unsuccessful attempt 
was made to colonize it. The duty of water on this ranch is low, as 
irrigation begins eariy in May and lasts until the water freezes, 
usually in October. 

The Boughton ditch, which is owned by the Diamond Cattle Co., 
diverts water from Laramie River in sec. 21, T. 18 N., R. 74 W., and 
irrigates about 7,000 acres of the company’s land on the east side of 
the river. Native hay is the chief crop. 

LITTLE LARAMIE RIVER. 

Most of the 48,000 acres of irrigated land in the Little Laramie 
River basin near the river is irrigated by individual and coopera¬ 
tive ditches. Two irrigation systems, the Laramie Water Co. and 
James Lake, obtain a portion of their supplies from the Little Laramie. 

NORTH LARAMIE RIVER. 

Most of the land irrigated from North Laramie River is irrigated 
from individual ditches, many of them situated on the headwaters. 
The largest project is that of the North Laramie Land Co. The lands 
under this project were segregated under the Carey Act and lie 
south of the river, in Rs. 68, 69, and 70 W. The point of diversion is 
in sec. 2, T. 25 N., R. 70 W. The system includes three reservoirs 
having a combined net storage capacity of 5,000 acre-feet. The 
gross area under the project was originally 8,200 acres. It is impos¬ 
sible to state what the net irrigable area will be, as the water supply is 
inadequate for the entire area. 

WATER SUPPLY, 

Laramie River .—Referring the records of stations at Jelm and 
Woods Landing to that near Woods by adding amounts representing 
additional inflow gives a record for 18 years. These are not consecu¬ 
tive, as records for 1892-1895, 1901-1904, and 1906-1910 are lacking. 
As storage facilities are afforded, the mean discharge of the period 
will be considered instead of that of the median year, which is taken 
where there is direct diversion without storage. The mean annual 


238 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


flow for the period is 178,000 acre-feet at the Woods station, which is 
above practically all irrigation from Laramie River. Exclusive of 
the Woods Landing records of 1891 and 1896-1900, as the conditions 
under which they were made are not known, a 12-year record is 
available, the mean of which is 169,000 acre-feet. 

From the records of Little Laramie River it is estimated that the 
mean annual flow contributed to Laramie River will be 40,000 acre- 
feet. This quantity added to the mean annual run-off of 169,000 
acre-feet makes 209,000 acre-feet available for storage and irrigation. 
With the comparatively short irrigation season the consumptive 
duty is about 1.5 acre-feet to an acre, and with this duty 140,000 
acres can be irrigated from Laramie River. 

Little Laramie River .—For determining the water supply of Little 
Laramie River records near Filmore are available for a part of 1903 
and for the 11-year period 1911-1921. As this station is above 
most of the irrigable area, the records represent the discharge avail¬ 
able for irrigation. The mean discharge for the 11-year period is 
91,800 acre-feet. With a consumptive duty of 1.5 acre-feet per acre, 
61,000 acres can be irrigated. Storage would be required for the 
low years. The year of lowest recorded flow' was 1919, when the 
total discharge was 47,900 acre-feet. 

DIVERSIONS FROM DRAINAGE BASIN. 

Three separate systems divert water from the headwaters of 
Laramie River in Colorado into the Cache la Poudre, for irrigation in 
that valley. As these diversions take water out of the basin they 
diminish the run-off by the total amount diverted, with no deduction 
for return seepage water. These ditches in order of priority are the 
Skyline ditch, Wilson Supply ditch, and Laramie-Poudre tunnel. 

The Water Supply & Storage Co. built the Skyline ditch in 1891- 
1893 to divert water from Laramie River into Chambers Lake, in 
sec. 6, T. 7 N., R. 75 W. The ditch heads in the West Fork of Lara¬ 
mie River in sec. 14, T. 8 N., R. 76 W., at an elevation of 9,300 feet, 
and takes a southerly course to Chambers Lake, which is across the 
divide. Throughout its length of 5 miles the ditch lies along a steep 
mountain side, being built through both loose and solid rock. In its 
course the ditch intercepts a number of small streams, so that the 
drainage area which it taps is approximately 14 square miles. Owing 
to the high altitude, water can not be diverted during the winter, as 
the ditch is filled with snow and ice. It is necessary to clean out the 
ditch each spring before diverting water, so that in some years water 
is not diverted until the latter part of May or June. Although the 


LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 


239 


ditch has a decree for 400 second-feet under date of August 7, 1891, 
it appears that its safe carrying capacity is about 200 second-feet. 

The Wilson supply ditch, which has a decreed right for 288 
second-feet, dated June 15, 1899, under the name Sand Creek ditch 
system, is owned by the Divide Canal & Reservoir Co. It heads in 
sec. 35, T. 10 N., R. 75 W., takes water from a tributary of Dead- 
man Creek, and carries it into Sand Creek, tapping a number of 
small tributaries on the way. The natural channel of Sand Creek 
is used for a distance of 4 miles, but in sec. 22, T. 11 N., R. 75 W., 
the water is diverted into Sheep Creek by the Divide canal, which 
is 1 mile long and has a capacity of 200 second-feet. From Sheep 
Creek the water is carried into the Cache la Poudre. 

The Greeley-Poudre irrigation district, requiring more water for 
the irrigation of its lands in the Poudre Valley, Colo., constructed the 
Laramie-Poudre tunnel in 1910-1912 to divert water into Cache la 
Poudre River. The west portal of the tunnel is in sec. 7, T. 8 N., 
R. 75 W., at an elevation of 8,570 feet. Its cross section is 7^ by 
9^ feet, and its length is 11,306 feet on a 1.7 per cent grade, giving 
a capacity of 800 second-feet. A system of east and west side col¬ 
lection ditches, 8 and 4§ miles long, respectively, are on either side 
of Laramie River. These intercept the flow of the numerous tribu¬ 
taries and carry it to the tunnel reservoir constructed in the channel 
of Laramie River by a dam 1,890 feet long. The drainage area made 
tributary to the tunnel is 67 square miles, although not all the run¬ 
off from that area is available, owing to prior diversions of the 
Skyline and Wilson supply ditches. It is estimated that about 40,000 
acre-feet in a median year passes the tunnel intake. By a decree of 
the United States Supreme Court dated June 5, 1922, the Laramie- 
Poudre tunnel is enjoined from diverting more than 5,500 acre-feet 
annually. 

Gages are maintained on each ditch and are read by the water 
commissioner. The following table, showing the total yearly amount 
diverted by each ditch, was compiled from two sources—the portion 
to 1913, inclusive, from evidence submitted in the Color ado-V yoming 
lawsuit, and that subsequent to 1913 from the weekly reports of the 
water commissioner. 


240 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Annual diversions from Laramie River basin, 1899-1921, in acre-feet. 


Year. 


1899 

1900 

1901 

1902 

1903 

1904 

1905 

1906 

1907 

1908. 

1909. 

1910. 

1911. 

1912. 

1913. 
1914- 

1915. 

1916. 

1917. 

1918. 

1919. 

1920. 

1921. 


Mean 


1 Skyline 
ditch. 

Sand Creek 
system. 

Laramie- 

Poudre 

tunnel. 

Total 

diverted 

from 

Laramie 

River. 

17.700 

18.700 
23,800 
22,100 



17.700 

18.700 
23,800 
24,000 

1,920 


26,100 
23,400 
13,300 

1,710 

6,810 

0 


27,800 
30,200 
13,300 


16,700 

5,000 


21,700 

15,000 

5,400 


20,400 

18,000 

2,090 


20,100 

12,700 

0 


12,700 

16,400 

783 


17,200 

19,100 

4,420 


23,500 

21,000 

2,150 


23; 200 

14,600 

0 


14,600 

10,200 

935 

813 

11,900 

15,000 

1,990 

4,960 

22 ; 000 

20,300 

2,870 

4,520 

27,700 

11,500 

(«) 

392 

li;900 

15, 800 

3,240 

10,700 

29,700 

14,400 

2,510 

4,090 

21,000 

13,900 ! 

0 

12,400 

26,300 

14,300 

0 

9,230 

23;500 

17,100 

2,990 

5,890 

21,000 


o No diversion reported. 


WATER POWER. 


No water power is developed in the Laramie River drainage basin. 
The following table was compiled from topographic maps, except 
for the section between Little Laramie and North Laramie rivers, 
which is only approximate. 


Elevations and distances along Laramie River from source to mouth. 


Point on river. 


Contour crossing. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

(Mouth of West Laramie River). 

Contour crossing. 

Do.. 

Do. 

(Mouth of Nunn Creek). 

Contour crossing. 

Do. 

Do. 

(Mouth of McIntyre Creek). 

Contour crossing. 

NE. J SW. i sec. 7, T. 11 N., R. 76 W. 

Center sec. 1, T. 11 N., R. 77 W. 

SW. i NW. i sec. 23, T. 12 N., R. 77 W. 

South edge SW. J, sec. 10, T. 12 N., R. 77 W. 

SW. i SE. i sec. 4, T. 12 N., R. 77 W. 

Jelm. 

Mouth of Woods Creek.] 

Head of Pioneer canal.[ 

Riverside ranch. 

NE. i sec. 22 T. 14 N., R. 75 W. 

Line between Tps. 74 and 75. 

Highway bridge at Laramie. 

Howell. 

Mouth of Little Laramie River. 

Entrance to canyon (about line between Rs. 72* and 

73)... 

Mouth of North Laramie River. 

Mouth. 


Distance (miles). 

Eleva¬ 

tion 

Descent (feet). 

From 

source. 

Point 
to point. 

above 
sea level 
(feet). 

Total. 

Per mile. 

0 


9,100 



.1 

0.1 

9 ; 000 

100 

1,000 

1.0 

.9 

8,800 

200 

222 

2.1 

1.1 

8,700 

100 

91 

3.3 

1.2 

8,600 

100 

83 

(3.9) 



5.3 

2.0 

8,500 

100 

50 

8.2 

2.9 

8,400 

100 

34 

11.2 

3.0 

8,300 

100 

33 

(13.6) 




14.5 

3.3 

8,200 

100 

30 

17.5 

3.0 

8,100 

100 

33 

20.3 

2.8 

8,000 

100 

36 

(21.9) 


23.7 

3.4 

7,900 

100 

29 

25.3 

1.6 

7,840 

60 

37 

26.8 

1.5 

7,800 

40 

27 

28.8 

2.0 

7,700 

100 

50 

31.5 

2.7 

7,660 

40 

15 

33.1 

1.6 

7,635 

25 

16 

36.3 

3.2 

7,540 

95 

30 

40.8 

4.5 

7,450 

90 

20 

44.1 

3.3 

7,340 

110 

33 

52.0 

7.9 

7,230 

110 

14 

57.2 

5.2 

7,200 

30 

6 

69.2 

12.0 

7,150 

50 

4 

72.9 

3.7 

7,140 

10 

3 

81.9 

9.0 

7,100 

40 

4 

94.0 

12.1 

7,060 

40 

3 

111.7 

17.7 

6,800 

260 

15 

149.7 

38.0 

4,450 

2,350 

62 

179.7 

30.0 

4,230 

220 

7 































































































































LARAMIE RIVER BASIN. 


241 


As the available water supply is required to meet irrigation needs, 
power can be developed only by direct diversion, without storage to 
increase the winter flow. The heaviest fall is on the headwaters, but 
here the discharge is so small and the winter conditions so severe 
that development can not be considered feasible. 

Topographic maps are not available for the tributary streams, nor 
have profile surveys been made. It is therefore impossible to es¬ 
timate their power possibilities, but they are believed to be small 
and relatively jHinimportant. 

STORAGE. 

In addition to the three large reservoirs constructed, preliminary 
surveys or reconnaissances have been made of three possible sites. 
The following table shows the principal features of each reservoir: 


Completed and proposed reservoirs m Laramie River basin. 


Name. 

Location of dam. 

Source of supply. 

_ 

Height 
of dam 
(feet). 

Area 

(acres). 

Capacity 

(second- 

feet). 

Wheatland No. 2.. 

Sec. 36. T. 22 N., R. 74 W. 

Laramie River.... 

40 


110,000 

Lake Hattie. 

Secs. 22-26. T 15 N., R. 76 W. 

Laramie and 

48 

4,500 

60,000 

.Tames Lake. 

Sec. 2, T. 17 N., R. 76 W. 

Little Laramie. 
Little Laramie.... 

30 

1,400 

41,000 

('ll pn d flvflv 

Sec. 35, T. 9 N., R. 76 W. 

Laramie. 

55 

640 

14,700 

291,000 

Robertson-McCon¬ 

nell. 

Bell. 

Sec. 4, T. 12 N.' R. 77 W. 

.do. 

200 

3,930 

Sec. 7, T. 15 N., R. 77 W. 

Douglas Creek. 

100 

96,500 






The Wheatland No. 2, Lake Hattie, and James Lake reservoirs are 
described on pages 235-6. 

Half a mile above Glendevey the valley narrows, providing a dam 
site for a reservoir in the main river channel. A reconnaissance of 
this site showed that a dam 55 feet high would create a reservoir 
having an area of 640 acres and a capacity of 14,700 acre-feet. The 
mean annual run-off as determined from seven years' records is 
67,700 acre-feet. During this period little or no water was diverted 
through the Laramie-Poudre tunnel. 

The State engineer’s records show a filing for a proposed reservoir 
having a dam site in the canyon of Laramie River 2J miles north 
of the State line, in the SW. -I SW. \ sec. 4, fi. 12 N., R. 77 W. Ihis 
is known as the Robertson-McConnell site. A 200-foot dam here 
would form a reservoir 8 miles long. The following table taken from 
the maps filed in the State engineer’s office shows the areas and 
capacities for various depths of storage: 

Area and capacity of Robertson-McConnell reservoir at different elevations. 


Elevation 
of reservoir 
outlet above 
riverbed 
(feet). 

Area 

(acres). 

Capacity 

(acre-feet). 

10 a 

0 

0 

60 

430 

9,200 

110 

1,180 

48,500 

160 

2,450 

136,000 

210 

3,930 

291,000 


a Elevation of outlet above river bed. 










































242 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

The mean annual run-off as determined from 12 years’ records is 
146,000 acre-feet. 

Surveys have been made for the Bell reservoir, in the channel of 
Little Laramie River, the dam site being in sec. 7, T. 15 N., R. 77 W. 
It is proposed to divert water from Douglas Creek above Keystone 
and carry it to the reservoir by means of a canal 16 miles long, a por¬ 
tion of which has been built. Records for 1914 to 1916 show the 
run-off of Douglas Creek near Keystone to be 18,400, 12,900, and 
19,000 acre-feet, respectively, for the period May 1 to October 31, 
which is considered to be as long as water can be diverted because 
of the altitude of the Keystone station (8,880 feet). From this 
record it appears that a mean of 15,000 acre-feet can be diverted 
from Douglas Creek. 

SOUTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN. 

GENERAL FEATURES. 

Tributaries of South Platte River drain a small area in the south¬ 
east corner of the State, which is bounded on the north and west by 
the North Platte basin. The chief streams in the basin are Lodge- 
pole and Crow creeks. 

The area drained by Crow Creek comprises a narrow strip extend¬ 
ing from the Laramie Mountains on the west to the Colorado line 
a few miles south of Carpenter. Crow Creek is formed by the junction 
of North, Middle, and South forks, a few miles east of the mountains. 
From this junction it flows east for 30 miles, then turns south, and, 
crossing the State line, joins South Platte River a few miles east of 
Kersey. Crow Creek receives no perennial tributaries. The upper 
part of the basin is mountainous, with elevations ranging from 8,000 
to 9,000 feet, and east of the mountains the topography is of the 
rolling type characteristic of the Great Plains. The mean annual 
precipitation in the Wyoming portion of the basin decreases from 18 
inches at the State line to 14 inches at Cheyenne and then gradually 
increases to 20 inches in the Laramie Mountains. 

MEASURED DRAINAGE AREAS. 


Measured drainage areas in Crow Creek basin, in square miles. 


Stream. 

Drainage area above— 

Area. 

North Fork. 

Junction. 

75 

Middle Fork.. 

Cheyenne reservoir. 

23 

Do. 

Junction. 

51 

South Fork. 

.do. 

39 

Crow Creek. 

Cheyenne. 

260 

Do. 

State line... 

413 

























GREEN RTVER BASIN. 


243 


GAGING-STATION RECORDS. 

MIDDLE CROW CREEK NEAR HECLA, WYO. 

Location. In sec. 15, T. 14 N., R. 70 W., 4 miles northwest of Hecla, in Laramie 
County. In 1902 station was at footbridge, and in 1903 it was a quarter of a mile 
above dam. No known relation between gages. 

Drainage area.— 42 square miles. 

Records available.— March 24, 1902, to November 21, 1903. 

Gage. —Vertical staff. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1902-1903: Maximum stage recorded, 2.6 feet April 27, 
1903 (discharge, 76 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 0.45 foot September 
4-8, 1903 (discharge, 1.0 second-foot). 

Accuracy .—Gage read twice daily. Rating curves well defined. Records good. 


Monthly discharge of Middle Crow Creel near Hecla , Wyo., for 1902-1903. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1902. 





£P nl ... 

25 

3 

8.12 

483 


30 

10 

22.1 

1,360 

.Tune. 

9.8 

1.5 

4.43 

264 


4 8 

1.5 

2.62 

161 

The period. 


2 270 

1903. 





April 8-30.;. 

76 

9.6 

37.9 

1,730 


54 

25 

40.4 

2,480 


30 

7 

17.4 

1,040 


9.6 

2.7 

5. 26 

323 

August. 

15 

1.6 

2.86 

176 

September. 

3.8 

1.0 

2.17 

129 

The period. 




5,880 

1903. 




October. 

4.8 

2.2 

2. 46 

151 

November 1-21. 

2.7 

2.2 

2.63 

110 


GREEN RIVER BASIN . 22 


LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES. 

The Green River basin in Wyoming occupies, roughly, the south¬ 
west quarter of the State. On the northwest the basin rises to a 
rim beyond which the country breaks off abruptly to a much lower 
level, forming the valley of the Hoback, a large tributary of Snake 
River. North of this valley rises the magnificent wall of the Gros 
Yentre Range, which trends northwest and connects the Wind River 
and Wyoming ranges. The Wind River Range, which reaches alti¬ 
tudes of 12,000 feet, trends north-northwest and limits the basin 
on the east as far south as South Pass. Beyond this range to the 
south the basin has no well-defined eastern limit but merges gradually 
into the sterile plateaus that form the Continental Divide. On the 
south the transverse range of the Uinta Mountains forms the bound- 

i2 Abstracted chiefly from article by Henry Gannett (U. S. Geol. and Geog. Survey lerr. Eleventh Ann. 
Kept., for 1877, pp. 689-693, 1879). 







































244 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

ary through which Green River winds in deep gorges. The southern 
half of the western limit is as ill defined as the eastern, the land 
rising gradually to a plateau that separates tributaries of the Green 
from those of the Bear. Toward the north this plateau rises and 
becomes cut into long, narrow meridianal ridges, which have been 
named the Absaroka Ridges and which farther north are eroded into 
mountains known as the Wyoming Range. 

TOPOGRAPHY. 

The topographic features of the Green River basin include types 
ranging from the mountains that form the northern boundary, 
where the elevations exceed 12,000 feet, to the broad valley with 
generally flat and unbroken surface extending from the northern 
rim to the Uinta Mountains, which form the southern boundary at 
the State line. The elevation of the valley ranges from 6,000 to 
7,000 feet. 

Much of the country is desert and devoid of running water except 
for the streams that head in the mountain rim. Between Green 
River and the Big Sandy, in an area 30 miles wide by 50 miles long, 
there is no water, and the surface is slightly rolling, rising and sinking 
in long swells. South of Big Sandy Creek the same desert aspect 
continues. This is especially true of the eastern part of the area, 
where it merges into the Red Desert. 

PRECIPITATION. 

The mean annual precipitation in the Green River valley is low, 
being less than 8 inches over the greater part of the area. In the 
mountains that form the northern boundary the precipitation 
rapidly increases with increase in altitude, to more than 35 inches. 

FORE STATION . 23 

The limits of forestation in the Green River basin are between 
about 8,000 and 10,500 feet above sea level, that is, the forests are 
found in the mountains on the northern rim of the basin. Practi¬ 
cally all this area is included in the Wyoming, Teton, and Bridger 
national forests. 

The area of the national forests in the Green River basin is approxi¬ 
mately 1,900 square miles, of which 850 square miles is classed as 
timbered. Of the timbered area 337 square miles is in the Wyoming 
Forest, on the western rim of the basin, and 438 square miles in the 
Bridger Forest, on the northern and eastern rims. In the Wyoming 
Forest the cover averages 965 M feet b. m. per square mile; in the 
Bridger Forest it is 2,367 M feet b. m. per square mile. Between 
the two forests is the Teton Forest, in which the forest cover averages 
3,022 M feet b. m. per square mile. 


23 Compiled from data furnished by U. S. Forest Service. 






245 


GREEN RIVER BASIN. 

PRINCIPAL STREAMS. 

GREEN RIVER. 

Green River is one of the largest streams in Wyoming. It rises 
on the western slopes of the Wind River Range near the Continental 
Divide, being formed by Trail and Wells creeks. The source of 
Trail Creek is in the vicinity of Green River Pass, at an elevation of 
11,000 feet, and that of Wells Creek in the glaciers about Gannett 
Peak, which rises to an altitude of 13,785 feet. The river flows 
northwestward 25 miles, passing through the beautiful Green River 
Lakes, thence turns sharply to the south and follows that direction 
to the Utah line. Above the Green River Lakes the river flows in a 
canyon, but below that point the sides of the valley gradually widen 
and the slopes become flatter until near Kendall the river leaves the 
mountains and flows across a rolling plateau as far as Daniel. In 
this stretch it is joined by Roaring Fork and Wagon, Tepee, Rock, 
Gypsum, Twin, and Beaver creeks, all of which are important tribu¬ 
taries rising in the mountains. At Daniel, Horse Creek, one of the 
largest of the upper tributaries, enters the Green. For 4 or 5 miles 
above its mouth Horse Creek parallels Green River, in the same 
broad bottom land, before uniting. Here both streams are very 
sluggish and winding, with many sloughs, channels, and islands. 
Two or three miles below the mouth of Horse Creek the river turns 
again to the south and its velocity increases. As far down as the 
mouth of Slate Creek it is bordered on the east by a high bench 200 
to 300 feet above the river, the normal level of the interior of the 
basin. In most places the edge of this bench is bluff, here precipi¬ 
tous, there presenting easy slopes to the river. Throughout the 
greater part of the distance its edge is 2 or 3 miles back from the 
river, but in places the river flows close under its bluff wall. 

Between Daniel and the mouth of New Fork River, a distance of 
26 miles, there is only one important tributary, Cottonwood Creek, 
which enters from the west. New Fork River is the most important 
tributary of Green River, as it carries the run-off from the entire 
mountainous region forming the northeastern rim of the basin from 
Green River Pass to the southeast for a distance of 40 miles. 

At the mouth of New Fork River the Green turns nearly west, 
flows in this course about 7 miles, then turns abruptly to the south. 
At the bend it receives the run-off from Muddy Creek and from 
North, Middle, and South Piney creeks. 

In its southerly course Green River flows through broad bottoms 
heavily timbered with cottonwoods. From South Piney Creek to 
the mouth of Big Sandy Creek, about 60 miles, there are no tributaries 
from the east and but two important tributaries from the west— 
Labarge and Fontenelle creeks—both heading in the Absaroka 
Ridges, which form the southern extension of the Wyoming Range. 


246 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

Ten miles below Fontenelle Creek is the mouth of Slate Creek, a small 
tributary which rises just outside the basin rim and the waters of 
which are alkaline. 

The Big Sandy is the first stream to enter the Green from the east 
below New Fork River, as it drains the mountainous area on the 
northern rim of the basin, from the eastern edge of the area drained 
by New Fork River to the plateau forming the eastern boundary of 
the basin. 

From the Big Sandy to the Utah line, a distance of 90 miles, the 
slope of the river is much flatter and its course is more tortuous. 
Below Green River city the Green flows in deep gorges through the 
Uinta Range, which forms the southern boundary of the drainage 
basin in Wyoming. 

HORSE CREEK. 

Horse Creek, one of the main tributaries of upper Green River, 
rises on the eastern slope of the Wyoming Range 9,500 feet above 
sea level. Throughout the upper 16 miles of its course it flows 
through a deep canyon at nearly right angles to the range until it 
emerges on the broad Green River valley, across which it flows in a 
southeasterly direction for a distance of 20 miles, joining Green River 
near Daniel. The fall is heavy in the upper part of its course but 
becomes much less after the creek enters the valley, and in the lower 
5 miles it becomes so flat that the current is very sluggish and the 
course tortuous, so that many sloughs, channels, and islands are 
formed. 

The principal tributaries are Lead Creek, which joins Horse Creek 
from the north just before it emerges from the mountains, and the 
South Fork, which enters from the south, a few miles below. Both 
these streams drain the eastern slope of the Wyoming Range. No 
tributaries enter below the mouth of the South Fork. 

Precipitation in the Horse Creek drainage basin decreases from 
approximately 25 inches on the headwaters to 13 inches at the edge 
of the valley and to 11 inches at the mouth. 

COTTONWOOD CREEK. 

Cottonwood Creek is formed by its North and South forks, which 
rise on the eastern slopes of the Wyoming Range at an elevation of 
10,000 feet and flow eastward in deep canyons until they reach the 
edge of the Green River valley, across which they flow for a distance 
of 20 miles and then unite. From the junction of the forks Cotton¬ 
wood Creek flows southeastward in a shallow trough and joins Green 
River about 15 miles south of Daniel. Beginning at a point 6 miles 
below the junction, the creek divides and flows for 9 miles in two 
parallel channels, a mile apart, which reunite 6 miles above the 
mouth. Both the North and South forks receive numerous tribu¬ 
taries, but no tributaries enter Cottonwood Creek itself. 


GREEN RIVER BASIN. 


247 

The upper part of the drainage basin covers the eastern ridges of 
the Wyoming Mountains, where elevations range from 8,000 to 
11,000 feet. East of the mountains the basin is a part of the generally 
level Green River valley, which slopes eastward from an elevation of 
8,000 feet at the base of the mountains to 7,000 feet at the mouth. 

The precipitation ranges from about 25 inches on the headwaters 
to 12 inches at the base of the mountains and to 8 inches at the mouth. 

NEW FORK RIVER. 

New Fork River, the largest tributary of Green River, drains a 
portion of the western slope of the Wind River Range extending 
from Fremont Peak southeastward to Mount Bonneville, Mount 
Geikie, and Twin Buttes, a distance of 45 miles. West of the moun¬ 
tains the basin includes a triangular area of high plateau, the apex 
being at the mouth of the river, a few miles west of Big Piney. 

The source of New Fork River is in the region of innumerable small 
mountain lakes immediately west and south of the headwaters of 
Green River, at an elevation exceeding 10,500 feet. New Fork River 
itself rises in a chain of tiny lakes and flows southwestward 9 miles 
to the New Fork Lakes, which cover an area of about 2 square miles 
and are 7,700 feet above sea level. Above these lakes the river re¬ 
ceives numerous small tributaries. Below the New Fork Lakes 
the river continues its southwesterly course for 5 miles and receives 
two important tributaries; it then turns abruptly to the southeast 
and flows in that direction as far as the mouth of East Fork River, 
where it again makes a sharp turn and flows southwestward to its 
junction with Green River. Above the East Fork, which is the 
lowest perennial stream that enters New Fork River, a number of 
large tributaries enter the river from the Wind River Mountains. 
The largest, in descending order, are Willow, Pine, Pole, and Boulder 
creeks. Like New Fork River itself these streams rise in and flow 
through lakes on the western slopes of the Wind River Range. The 
largest lakes are Willow Lake, covering 2 square miles, through which 
Lake Creek flows; Fremont Lake, 8 square miles, in the course of 
Pine Creek; and Boulder Lake, about 3 square miles, through which 
Boulder Creek flows. 

The general elevation of the drainage basin is about 7,000 feet, 
but the elevation increases to 11,000 feet at the upper rim. West 
of the mountains the topography is that of a broad, slightly rolling 
plateau across which the streams have cut wide, deep valleys. 

The mean annual precipitation increases from 8 inches at the 
mouth to 10 inches at the base of the mountains and to about 25 
inches at the upper edge of the basin. 

105707—23— wsp 469-1 7 



248 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

PINEY CREEK. 

The name Piney Creek basin is applied to the area drained by 
North, Middle, and South Piney creeks, three streams rising in the 
Absaroka Ridges, the southern extension of the Wyoming Range. 
In the upper stretches the creeks flow in canyon, but after leaving 
the mountains they flow in shallow depressions across the undulating 
valley of Green River and unite with that stream near Big Piney, 
within a short distance of one another. All the streams receive 
numerous small tributaries in the mountainous parts of their courses 
but practically no perennial run-off after leaving the mountains. 

The upper half of the area drained by these creeks lies on the slopes 
of the Absaroka Ridges, where elevations range from 8,000 feet at the 
base to more than 10,000 feet at the summit. In the lower half of 
the basin the elevations gradually decrease to 7,000 feet at the mouth. 

The mean annual precipitation decreases from 26 inches or more 
at the upper edge of the basin to 12 inches at the base of the moun¬ 
tains and to 8 inches at the mouth. 

LABARGE CREEK. 

Labarge Creek rises in the Absaroka Ridges at an elevation of 
9,000 feet. Its upper course and that of its numerous small tributaries 
are southerly, in narrow valleys between the ridges, the streams cut¬ 
ting across them in short, close canyons and collecting against the 
basin rim to force their way through it. After passing the mountains 
Labarge Creek flows east for a distance of 10 miles and enters Green 
River in T. 26 N., R. 112 W. In its course east of the mountains 
Labarge Creek is bordered on the north by low, flat country, but on 
the south the land rises immediately into a plateau which separates 
it from Fontenelle Creek. This plateau, far from presenting a uni¬ 
form surface, is extensively cut by erosion. 

In the upper part the basin is bounded on the east by the Thompson 
Plateau, a broad table-land ranging in altitude from 10,000 to 10,300 
feet and facing the Labarge basin in steep cliffs. South of Labarge 
Creek the Thompson Plateau passes into Meridian Ridge, in which the 
surface slopes gradually southward from altitudes of 10,000 feet at 
the upper end to 8,000 feet. Tributaries of Labarge Creek cut this 
ridge at nearly right angles, in deep canyons. 24 

The mean annual precipitation decreases from 26 inches or more 
at the upper end of the basin to 8 inches at the mouth. 


24 Schultz, A. R., Geology and geography of a portion of Lincoln County, Wyo.: U. S. Geol. Survey Bull. 
543, p. 16, 1914. 




GREEN RIVER BASIN. 


249 


FONTENELLE CREEK. 

Fontenelle Creek rises in the southern extension of the Wyoming 
Range known as Meridian Ridge, at an elevation of 9,500 feet. It 
flows southeastward 25 miles, receiving numerous small tributaries 
draining narrow, deep valleys, and near the Canyon ranch cuts across 
Meridian Ridge valley, about 15 miles above the mouth, at an eleva¬ 
tion of 6,600 feet. After leaving the mountains Fontenelle Creek 
occupies a narrow valley bordered on each side by low bluffs that rise 
to a plateau level. No perennial tributaries enter Fontenelle Creek 
east of the mountains. 

The precipitation decreases from 20 inches or more on the head¬ 
waters to 12 inches at the base of the mountains and to 8 inches at 
the mouth. 

BIG SANDY CREEK. 

Rig Sandy Creek—the only perennial tributary of Green River 
from the eastern part of the basin between New Fork River and 
the Utah line, a distance of nearly 200 miles—rises in the Wind River 
Mountains and drains the comparatively small area between the 
basin of the New Fork on the west and that of the North Platte 
on the east. The area comprises a mountain region of about 100 
square miles, which is practically the only part of the basin contrib¬ 
uting perennial flow. 

The source of Big Sandy Creek is a chain of small lakes at eleva¬ 
tions between 9,000 and 10,000 feet. Below these lakes the creek 
is joined by one or two important tributaries and, leaving the moun¬ 
tains, flows in a southerly direction through a low rock canyon with 
narrow bottom lands here and there. It joins Green River in the 
southern part of T. 22 N., R. 109 W. After leaving the mountains. 
Big Sandy Creek receives but one tributary, Little Sandy Creek, 
which rises in the mountains near Big Sandy. The mountain area 
drained by this tributary is included in the 100 square miles of similar 
area in the Big Sandy basin. 

Aside from the very small mountainous region, the area is a gen¬ 
erally level plateau. The region northwest of the Big Sandy is 
entirely without water and slightly rolling. This bench on the 
western edge breaks off in bluffs to the Green. Its general character¬ 
istic is that of a desert. South of the lower course and east of Green 
River the region is also a desert, with a soil of drifting sand, alkaline 
clay baked smooth and hard, or loose friable clay produced by the 
disintegration of masses of badland. Farther up the Big Sandy 
the strip lying between the stream and the Wind River Range is 
much more attractive. 

Except in the small mountainous area, where the precipitation 
reaches about 25 inches, the mean annual precipitation of the greater 
part of the drainage basin is less than 7 inches. 


250 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


BLACKS FORK. 

Blacks Fork, one of the chief tributaries of the Green and the 
only perennial stream that enters it between the mouth of Big Sandy 
Creek and the State line, drains a large area in the southwest corner 
of the State, extending from the south end of Meridian Ridge of the 
Wyoming Range, on the north, to the Uinta Mountains at the State 
line, on the south, and from the basin of Bear River, which includes a 
narrow strip adjacent to the Utah line, on the west, nearly to Green 
River, on the east. 

The river itself rises on the northern slope of the Uinta Range on 
the northern boundary of Utah, at an elevation of 12,000 feet or more. 
It flows northeastward as far as the Union Pacific Railroad 15 miles 
west of Granger, where it is joined by Muddy Creek, which drains a 
large area in the northwestern part of the basin. After receiving 
this tributary, Blacks Fork turns east, follows the Union Pacific 
Railroad for 30 miles, then turns south and pursues a winding course 
to its mouth, about 16 miles south of the city of Green River. The 
only perennial tributaries besides Muddy Creek are Smith Fork, 
which enters from the south about 12 miles above that creek, and 
Hams Fork, which enters from the north at Granger and carries the 
run-off from a large area including the south end of Meridian Ridge. 
With the exception of the upper boundary of the basin, which is 
formed by the northern slope of the Uinta Range, the drainage area 
consists of a high rolling plateau 7,000 feet in general elevation. At 
the mouth the altitude decreases to 6,000 feet. 

The mean annual precipitation probably ranges from 16 inches 
on the southern boundary to 8 inches or less at the mouth but is 
not known accurately on account of an almost entire lack of rainfall 
records within the basin. 


HENRYS FORK. 

Henrys Fork, which enters Green River just over the State line in 
Utah, drains an area of 644 square miles lying west of Green River in 
Utah and Wyoming. It rises on the northern slope of the Uinta 
Mountains in northeastern Utah at an elevation of more than 12,000 
feet and flows northward into Wyoming to a point near Lone tree, 
where it turns and flows eastward for a distance of 30 miles, then 
turns southeastward, crosses into Utah, and joins Green River about 
3 miles south of the State line. Its principal tributaries are Beaver 
Creek and Burnt Fork, both of which rise in the Uinta Mountains. 

The upper part of the drainage basin, lying on the northern slope 
of the Uinta Mountains, is rugged and lias elevations of 13,000 feet 
and more; the lower part of the basin is a rolling plain. 


GREEN RIVER BASIN 


251 


MEASURED DRAINAGE AREAS. 


Drainage areas in Green Diver basin , in square miles. 


Green River and tributaries. 

Stream. 

Drainage area above— 

Area. 

Green River. 

Do. 

Outlet of Green River Lakes. 

Gaging station near Kendall . 

Sec. 4, T. 35 N., R. Ill W. 

Gaging station near line between Tps. 32 and 33 

N., R. 110 W. 

New Fork River 

115 

271 

432 

932 

1,280 
3,660 
5,240 
7,670 
14,400 
47 
173 
40 
81 
177 
128 
848 
2,380 
466 
250 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Labarge Creek 

Do. 

Bie Sandy Creek 

Do. 

Gaging station at Green River. 

Utah line.. 

Do. 

Tosi Creek. 

Mouth. 

Beaver Creek . 


North Beaver Creek . 


South Beaver Creek. 


Muddy Creek . 


Pine Creek. 


Bitter Creek . 

Ninemile Creek.... 

Do. 

Mouth. 

Salt Wells Creek . 


ICillpecker Creek . 





Horse Creek and chief tributary. 


Horse Creek. 

South Fork. 


Do. 

Mouth. 

] 

South Fork of Horse Creek. 







Cottonwood Creek and tributaries. 


Cottonwood Creek. 

Gaging station about in sec. 21, T. 32 N., R. Ill W. 
Mouth. 

241 

Do. 

258 

North Fork of Cottonwood Creek. 


107 

South Fork of Cottonwood Creek. 

.do. 

103 




New Fork River and tributaries. 


East Fork River 

Do. 

Do. 

Muddy Creek... 

Silver Creek. 

New Fork River 

Do..... 

Do. 

Do. 

Willow Creek... 

Lake Creek. 

Pine Creek. 

Do. 

Do. 

Pole Creek. 

Do. 

Boulder Creek... 
Do. 


Sec. 10, T. 31 N., R. 106 W 

| Mouth of Silver Creek. 

Mouth. 

1 .do. 

.do. 

Outlet of New Fork Lakes 
Mouth of Willow Creek.... 
Mouth of Boulder Creek... 

Mouth. 

.do. 

Outlet of Willow Lake.... 
Outlet of Fremont Lake... 

Pinedale. 

Mouth. 

Outlet of Fayette Lake.... 

Mouth. 

Outlet of Boulder Lake... 
Mouth. 


106 

208 

348 

54 

98 

36 

102 

578 

1,240 

100 

33 

114 

128 

133 

51 

167 

94 

116 


Piney Creek and tributaries. 



Outlet of North Piney Lake. 

5 

r>n . 

Sec. 19 , T. 31 N., R. 113 W. 

58 

r>n . 

Mouth. 

129 


Outlet of Middle Piney Lake. 

6 

Dn . 

Sec. 30, T. 30 N., R. 113 W. 

46 


Mouth. 

112 


.do. 

110 






























































































































































252 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Drainage areas in Green River basin, in square miles —Continued. 

Labarge Creek. 


Stream. 

Drainage area above— 

Area. 

Labarge Creek. 

Sec. 7, T. 29 N.. R. 116 W. 

8 

Do. 

Sec. 29, T. 26 N., R. 113 W. 

176 

Do. 

Mouth.. 

198 





Fontenelle Creek. 


Fontenelle Creek 
Do.. 


Gaging station in sec. 3, T. 24 N., R. 113 W 
Mouth. 


224 

239 


Big Sandy Creek and tributaries. 


Big Sandy Creek. 

Gaging station in sec. 18, T. 27 N., R. 106 W. 

322 

Do.. 

Little Sandy Creek. 

541 

Do. 

Mouth.". 

1,810 

Little Sandv Creek. 

.do. 

'823 

Pacific Creek. 

.do. 

546 





Blacks Fork and tributaries. 


Blacks Fork. 

Gaging station in sec. 23, T. 16 N., R. 115 W. 

261 

Do. 

Muddy Creek. 

854 

Do. 

Hams" Fork. 

2 170 

Do. 

Gaging station at Granger. 

2 840 

Do. 

Mouth. 

3 710 

Smith Fork. 

.do. 

J 438 

Cottonwood Creek. 

.do. 

165 

Muddy Creek. 

.do. 

1 100 

Little Muddy Creek. 

.do. 

648 

Albert Creek. 

.do. 

208 

Hams Fork. 

Kemmerer. 

383 

Do. 

Mouth. 

668 




GAGING-STATION RECORDS. 

GREEN RIVER. 

GREEN RIVER NEAR KENDALL, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 23, T. 38 N., R. 110 W., at Kendall ranger station, 6 miles north 
of Kendall post office, in Fremont County. Nearest tributary, Rock Creek, enters 
a short distance below. 

Drainage area.— 271 square miles (measured on topographic map). 

Records available.— August 2, 1910, to June 30, 1912; May 15 to October 17, 1918. 

Gage. —Chain gage at left bank 1,000 feet below ranger station; read by forest ranger. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1910-1912, 1918: Maximum stage recorded, 6.8 feet at 
8 a. m. June 15 and 16, 1918 (discharge, 5,090 second-feet). Minimum discharge 
occurs during winter. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31,1916, no adjudicated diversions from Green River 
above station. 

Accuracy.— Gage read twice daily. Rating curve well defined prior to July 31, 1918. 
Records good except for periods of shifting control and days of missing gage heights, 
for which they are fair. 













































































GREEN RIVER BASIN. 


253 


Monthly discharge of Green River near Kendall , Wyo., for 1910-1912 , 1918. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off 

in 

acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

Aueust.. 

1910. 

720 

280 

176 

160 

740 

3,010 

1,660 

624 

320 

210 

300 

130 

60 

135 

181 

900 

660 

486 

187 

111 

29,900 
11,100 

September.. . . 

October. 

1910-11. 

6,820 

April 26-30. 

150 

l' 490 


438 

1 880 

26' 900 


112'000 


' 1 210 

74,400 

August. 

260 

406 

25,000 

September__ 

160 

224 

13,300 

October 1-14. 

1911-12. 

160 

199 

5,530 

87,100 

June 8-30__ 

2 900 

750 

1,910 

Mav 15-31_ 

1918. 

534 

331 

443 

14,900 

J une. 

5,030 

503 

2,900 

173,000 

July. 

1,550 

550 

972 

59,800 

25,900 

August. 

670 

293 

422 

September. 

370 

205 

268 

15,900 

October 8-17. 

370 

215 

272 

5,400 






GREEN RIVER NEAR DANIEL, WYO. 


Location. —Near line between Tps. 32 and 33 N., R. 110 W., at highway bridge 6 
miles southwest of Daniel, in Fremont County. No important tributary within 
several miles. 

Drainage area. —932 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —April 20, 1913, to September 30, 1921. State engineer main¬ 
tained station at this point during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage.— Chain on downstream side of bridge. 

Extremes of discharge. —1913-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 7.0 feet at 10 a. m. 
June 16, 1918 (discharge, 8,750 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 2.2 feet 
September 30, 1916 (discharge, 190 second-feet); minimum discharge probably 
occurs during winter. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 241 second-feet from 
Green River above Daniel station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily. Rating curves well defined. Records good to 
excellent. 


Monthly discharge of Green River near Daniel , Wyo ., for 1913 1921. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Month. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1913. 

3,430 

5,000 

4,900 

4,000 

1,600 

1,440 

1,120 

975 

2,490 

1,280 

510 

330 

2,120 

2,530 

3,370 

2,060 

943 

546 









..»••••••• 

1913-14. 

360 

2,130 

3,720 

4,400 

2,490 

1,520 

300 

275 

840 

975 

1,440 

840 

300 

230 

317 

1,410 

2,120 

2,880 

1,660 

751 

258 








Run-cff in 
acre-feet. 


46,300 

156,000 

201,000 

127,000 

58,000 

32,500 


621,000 


19,500 

47.400 
130,000 
171,000 
102,000 

46,200 

15.400 








































































254 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Monthly discharge of Green River near Daniel, Wyo., for 1913-1921 —Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1914r-15. 





October 1-10. 

275 

250 

252 

5,000 

April. 

1,000 

465 

716 

42,600 


1,000 

356 

607 

37,300 

J une. 

1,590 

640 

1,070 

63,700 


2,180 

1,000 

1,360 

83,600 

August. 

1,000 

465 

609 

37,400 

September... 

1,140 

272 

611 

36,400 

1915-16. 





October. 

695 

250 

354 

21,800 

November. 

340 

206 

252 

15,000 

December 1-4. 

246 

246 

246 

1,950 

March 21-31. 

1,670 

690 

1,260 

27,500 

April. 

2,390 

385 

956 

56,900 


2,750 

1,190 

1,840 

113,000 


4,620 

1,670 

2,700 

161,000 


1,890 

1,280 

1,720 

106,000 

August. 

1,500 

480 

1,050 

64,600 

September. 

515 

190 

333 

19,800 

1917. 





April 27-30. 

1,730 

670 

1,010 

8,010 

May. 

3,670 

500 

2,240 

138,000 

June. 

4,810 

1,810 

3,400 

202,000 


4,050 

1,810 

2,880 

177,000 

August. 

1,810 

500 

936 

57,600 

September. 

720 

430 

498 

29,600 

The period. 




612,000 

1917-18. 




October. 

394 

245 

301 

18,500 

November. 

245 

245 

245 

14;600 

March 28-31. 

1,640 

1,140 

1,430 

11,500 

April. 

1,140 

498 

656 

39,000 


2,030 

1,080 

1,470 

90,400 


8,210 

1,310 

4,740 

282,000 


2,980 

930 

1,600 

98;400 

August. 

930 

454 

634 

39,000 

September... 

_ 454 

330 

389 

23,100 

1918-19. 





October. 

530 

310 

387 

23,800 

November 1-23. 

310 

136 

218 

9', 950 

April. 

1,250 

300 

734 

43,700 


2,280 

385 

929 

57,100 


2,620 

400 

771 

45,900 


478 

238 

316 

19,400 

August. 

498 

254 

361 

22,200 

September. 

530 

254 

406 

24,200 

1919-20. 





October. 

491 

200 

311 

19,100 


2,980 

465 

1,870 

115,000 

June. 

2,980 

1,640 

2,320 

138,000 


2,280 

1,500 

1,990 

122,000 

August... 

1,500 

530 

1,020 

62,700 

September. 

530 

320 

419 

24,900 

1920-21. 





October. 

310 

254 

268 

16,500 

November. 

390 

254 

292 

17; 400 

December 1-9. 

294 

254 

270 

4; 820 

April 9-30. 

1,040 

336 

717 

31,300 

May. 

2,710 

800 

1,640 

101 ; 000 

June. 

5,710 

1,460 

3,250 

193 ; 000 


2,180 

720 

1,090 

67', 000 

August. 

720 

575 

661 

40;600 

September. 

610 

395 

475 

28; 300 


Note.—R ecords for 1913 and 1914 revised . 
























































































GREEN RIVER BASIN. 


255 


GREEN RIVER AT GREEN RIVER, WTO, 

Location.—A t Union Pacific pumping station at Green River, in Sweetwater 
County. No tributary within several miles. 

Drainage area.— 7,670 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming- scale 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— May 2, 1895, to October 31, 1906; March 1 , 1915, to Septem¬ 
ber 30, 1921. 

Gage.— Chain on left bank at pumping station. From March 1 , 1915, to September 
29, 1920, chain at highway bridge a third of a mile downstream. Gage used from 
1895 to 1906 vertical staff on submerged cribbing near present site. No deter¬ 
mined relation between different gages. 

Extremes of discharge. — 1895-1906, 1915-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 12.3 feet 
at 5 p. m. June 19, 1918 (discharge, 22,200 second-feet); minimum mean daily 
discharge recorded, 160 second-feet on November 17, 1898. 

Diversions.— Prior to July 1 , 1921, adjudicated diversions of 223 second-feet from 
Green River between Daniel and Green River stations. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily since 1915; it is not known whether gage was read 
once or twice daily from 1895 to 1906. Rating curves well defined except for 1903, 
during which year no measurements were made. Records good 1895 to 1906; 
excellent 1915 to 1921, except during winter, for which they are fair. 


Monthly discharge of Green River at Green River , Wyo.,for 1895-1899 , 1901-1906, 1915- 

1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-cff in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

Mav 2-81. . . . 

1895. 

6,120 

2,560 

4,060 
4,600 

242,000 
274,000 
258, 000 

June. 

6,780 

3.730 

2.730 
1,200 

July. 

6,900 

4,200 

August. 

2,910 

1 880 

116 000 

Sentemher_ 

l'l70 

530 

749 

44 600 





The period... 





935,000 







October _ 

1895-96. 

718 

355 

517 

31,800 

November. 

355 

220 

265 

15' 800 

December . 

260 

16; 000 

January . 



250 

15j 400 

February. 



250 

14! 400 

March . 



300 

18,400 
58,000 

April . 

1,480 

910 

975 


6,980 

1,380 

6,820 

2,200 

135,000 


15’ 500 

11 ', 800 

702 ; 000 


6,230 

2,440 

4,190 

258; 000 

August . 

2,530 

1,390 

1 , 880 

116,000 

Sent,ember . .. 

1,520 

'800 

1,120 

66,600 







The vear 


15, 500 


2,000 

1,450,000 






October 

1896-97. 

960 

640 

740 

45,500 

"NT nvp.m hpr . 



600 

35,700 

T) eeem her . 



500 

30,700 

Tn.rmn.rv . 



450 

27,700 

PpViriiGrv . 



400 

22,200 

AT^rnh _ _ . _ . 



400 

24,600 

April . 

3,200 

1,200 

1,960 

117,000 


17; 900 
14,400 

2,720 

9,770 

601,000 


4,400 

7,550 

449,000 


4,400 

1,760 

2,790 

172,000 

Antm<5t. . 

2,500 

640 

1,600 

98,400 

27,700 

September. 

'640 

400 

465 

The year. 

17,900 


2,270 

1,650,000 


Note.— Records for 1895 and 1896 revised. Winter records prior to 1915 estimated. 






























































256 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Monthly discharge of Green River at Green River , Wyo., for 1895-1899,1901-1906,1915- 

1921 —Continued. 




Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1897-98. 

October . 

1,760 

500 

1,010 
760 
550 
500 
400 
450 
2,660 
4,060 
9,060 
4,620 
1,420 
646 

62,100 

45.200 
33,800 

30.700 

22.200 

27.700 
158,000 
250,000 
539,000 
284,000 

87,300 
38,400 

November. 

December._ _. 



January . 



February ._. 



March . 



A pril... 

5,520 
7,680 
15,100 
9,120 
2,080 
1,200 

800 
2,320 
4,200 
2,160 
720 
260 


June. 


August. 

September. 

The vear. 

15,100 


2,180 

1, 580,000 

1898-99. 

October. 


400 

1,280 

300 

160 

347 
400 
300 
300 
400 
450 
1,600 
3,270 
12,500 
14, 500 
5,170 
2,060 

21,300 
23,800 
18,400 
18,400 
22,200 
27,700 
95,200 
201,000 
744,000 
892,000 
318,000 
123,000 

November. 

December. 

January. 



February.. 



March. 



April. 

2,390 
5,690 
21,400 
20,700 
8,650 
2,460 

990 

1,530 

5,480 

8,880 

2,460 

1,700 



July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 

21,400 

1,990 


3,440 

1,820 

2,500,000 

112,000 

1S99. 

October. 

1,640 

1900-1901. 

October. 



600 

600 

500 

500 

400 

500 

1,320 

6.750 
5,420. 

2.750 
1,410 

632 

36,900 

35.700 

30.700 
30,700 
22,200 

30.700 

78.600 
415,000 
323,000 
169,000 

86.700 

37.600 

November. 



December. 



January. 



February. 



March. 



April. 

2,880 
12,400 
10,200 
4,200 
2,460 
905 

500 
1,780 
3,400 
1,840 
905 
500 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 

12,400 


1,780 

1,300,000 

1901-2. 

October. 




500 
450 
400 
300 
300 
300 
844 
2,260 
7,100 
2,670 
1,390 
656 

30.700 
26,800 
24,600 
18,400 

16.700 
18,400 
50,200 

139,000 
422,000 
164,000 
85, 500 
39,000 

November. 



December. 



January. 



February. 



March. 



April. 

1,380 
7,920 
10,800 
4, 550 
2,260 
950 

285 

845 

4,380 

1,720 
950 
380 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 

10 , SOO 


1,430 

1,040,000 

1902-3. 

October. 


380 

285 

329 
300 
300 
300 
250 
600 
1 , 200 
1,840 
9,570 
3,990 
1,460 
1,550 

20,200 

17.900 

18.400 
18, 400 

13.900 

36.900 

71.400 
113,000 
569,000 
245,000 

89,800 

92,200 

November. 

December. 



January. 



February. 



March. 



April. 

1,740 

2,660 

13,000 

8,010 

2,160 

3,320 

582 

1,300 

2,020 

2,400 

1,110 

792 


June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 

13,000 


1,810 

1,310,000 
















































































































GREEN RIVER BASIN. 


257 


Monthly discharge of Green River at Green River, Wyo., for 1895-1899 , 1901-1906, 

1915-1921 —Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

i 

Mean. 

1903-4. 

October.1. 

1,160 

845 

1,010 

800 

600 

500 

700 

900 

1,960 

6,130 
10,300 
• 5,260 
2,040 
890 

62,100 

47,600 

36,900 

30,700 

40.300 

55.300 
117,000 
377,000 
607,000 
323,000 
125,000 

53,000 

November. 

December. 



January. 



February. 



March. 



April. 

3,660 
13,100 
12,200 
8,010 
3,540 
1,400 

1,160 
2,690 
7,160 
3,470 
1,220 
620 


June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 

13, 100 


2,580 

1,870,000 

1904-5. 

October. 


838 

597 

698 

550 

500 

400 

400 

550 

883 

1,580 

5,950 

3,460 

1,120 

639 

42.900 

32.700 

30.700 
24,600 
22,200 
33,800 
52,500 
97,200 

354,000 
213,000 

68.900 
38,000 

November. 

December. 



January. 



Februa'rv... 



March...'. 



April. 

1,260 
3,600 
8,540 
5,590 

1,710 
934 

600 
820 
3,320 
1,820 
860 
420 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 

8,540 


1,390 

1 ,010,000 

1905-6. 

October. 


600 

420 

486 

400 

300 

300 

300 

500 

2,040 

5,030 

6,830 

4,860 

2,240 

1,260 

29,900 
23,800 
18,400 
18,400 

16.700 

30.700 
121,000 
309,000 
406,000 
299,000 
138,000 

75,000 

November _ , _ _ . 

December. . . ... 



January.. . . , . 



February .. 



March 



April. . 

3,360 
8,700 
12,200 
6,210 
4,060 
1,990 

893 
2,060 
4, 510 
2,740 
1,390 
790 


June... 


August... . 

September. 

The year. 

12,200 


2,050 

1,490,000 

1906. 

October . 

790 

560 

660 

550 
500 
400 
325 
325 
800 
1,420 
1,620 
2,820 
2,650 
1,110 
1,270 

40.600 

33.800 

29.800 

24.600 
20,000 
18,000 

49.200 
84,500 

99.600 
168,000 
163,000 

68.200 

75.600 

1914-15. 
















A pril- . 

2,140 
2,560 
3,960 
3,770 
1,580 
3,600 

1,140 

2,010 

1,580 

840 

738 


June .-... 


Alienist .... 



3,960 


1,150 

834,000 

1915-16. 

1,620 
910 
910 
565 
798 
6,280 
4,390 
5,780 
13,800 
9,040 

3.290 

1.290 

910 

625 

345 

295 

422 

595 

1.670 

2.670 
2,530 
2,820 
1,290 

660 

1,170 
816 
624 
416 
569 
1,970 
2,640 
3,880 
8,330 
5,460 
2,150 
898 

71,900 

48.600 

38.400 

25.600 
32,700 

121,000 
157,000 
239,000 
496,000 
336,000 
132,000 

53.400 













13,800 

295 

2,410 

1,750,000 


























































































































258 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

Monthly discharge of Green River at Green River, Wyo., for 1895-1899, 1901-1906, 
y 1915-1921— Continued. 


Month. 


1916-17. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


The year. 


1917-18. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


The year. 


1918-19. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


The year. 


1919-20. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


The year. 


1920-21. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


990 
950 
448 
448 
392 
1,030 
5,170 
8,400 
18,400 
17,300 
5,170 
1,570 


18,400 


1,120 

1,030 


Minimum. ' Mean. 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


2,890 
3,880 
21,800 
7,770 


1,160 


21 , 800 


1,130 


1,640 
2,120 
5,100 
8,050 
890 
715 
750 


8,050 


925 

960 


692 
250 
340 
315 
340 
420 
1,030 
1,890 
4 560 
5,170 
1,470 
1,030 


250 


795 

475 


871 
518 
405 
374 
364 
529 
2,260 
4,760 
10,100 
10,400 
2,400 
1,340 


2,870 


1,320 
1,660 
3,020 
2,260 
1,000 
825 


930 

790 

550 

375 

400 

890 

1,800 

3,050 

13,400 

4,280 

1,570 

901 


53, 700 
30, 800 
24,900 
23,000 
20,200 
32,500 
134, 000 
293.000 
601,000 
640,000 
148,000 
79,700 


2,080,000 


57,200 

47,000 

33,800 

23,100 

24.600 
54,700 

107,000 

188,000 

797,000 

263,000 

96,500 

53.600 


2,410 1,750,000 


410 


350 
890 
1,420 
890 
350 I 
330 
330 


900 
749 
449 
358 
346 
655 
1,600 
2,580 
2,140 
542 
523 
499 


55.300 
44 600 
27,600 
22,000 

19.200 

40.300 

95.200 
159,000 
127,000 

33.300 

32.200 
29,700 


946 


685,000 


460 


724 

575 

375 

350 


44, 500 
34,200 
23,100 
21,500 




935 

57,500 

4,030 

820 

1,710 

102,000 

9,190 

1,220 

4,390 

270,000 

12,300 

4, 720 

8 , 730 

519,000 

6,200 

2,250 

4,050 , 

249,000 

2 , 200 

890 

1,430 

87,900 

890 

820 

.... 

881 

52,400 

12,300 

. 2,040 

1 ,4S0,000 

9S0 

760 

827 

50,800 

900 

650 ; 

766 

45,600 


.; 

500 

30,700 



450 

27,700 



500 

27,800 



1,530 

94,100 

4.170 

1,340 

2,310 

137,000 

10,100 

1,610 

4,150 

255,000 

21,200 

7,350 

13,000 

774,000 

6,050 

1,610 

2,950 

131,000 

1,760 

1,130 

1,380 

84,800 

1,130 

770 

939 

55,900 

21,200 

... 

2,440 

1,760,000 













































































































































GREEN RIVER BASIN. 


259 


HORSE CREEK. 


HORSE CREEK AT DANIEL, WYO. 


Location. —About sec. 2, T. 33 N., Ill W., at highway bridge three-fourths 
mile south of Daniel, in Lincoln County. No tributary between station and mouth. 

Drainage area. —193 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Becords available. —April 20, 1913, to November 18, 1918. State engineer main¬ 
tained station during 1913 and 1914. 

Gage. —Vertical staff on upstream side of left bridge abutment. 

Extremes of discharge. —1913-1918: Maximum stage recorded, 5.7 feet at 10 a.m. 
June 16, 1918 (discharge, 1,530 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 0.7 foot 
August 29-30, 1915 (discharge, 1 second-foot). 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 161 second-feet 
from Horse Creek, all above station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily. Rating curves well defined except for 1913-14, 
for which they were only fairly well defined; Records considered only fair, as 
gage is read but once daily, and they are uncertain at several periods. 


Monthly discharge of Horse Creek at Daniel , Wyo., for 1913-1918. 


Month. 


1913. 

April 20-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

1913- 14. 

October. 

April 19-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

1914- 15. 

October. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

1915- 16. 

April 25-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 

1916- 17. 

October. 

November 1-22. 

May... 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

1917- 18. 

October. 

November 1-19. 

April 22-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

October. 

November 1-18. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 


665 

199 

360 

7,850 


1,260 

448 

838 

51,500 


1 ,240 

380 

771 

45,900 


380 

50 

133 

8,180 


76 

11 

41.3 

2,540 


161 

22 

44.4 

2,640 


44 

24 

33.1 

2,040 


335 

199 

273 

6,500 


1,020 

212 

575 

35,000 


1,100 

225 

606 

36,100 


225 

51 

126 

7,750 


51 

18 

36.6 

2,250 


22 

8 

16.1 

958 


76 

4 

20.6 

1,270 


275 

25 

112 

6,660 


275 

15 

132 

8,120 


275 

7 

128 

7,620 


25 

7 

8.16 

502 


15 

1 

5.06 

311 


720 

237 

424 

5,050 


530 

224 

345 

21,200 


1,080 

237 

607 

36,100 


408 

45 

180 

11 , lOo 


84 

11 

44.4 

2,730 


11 

11 

11.0 

655 




76,800 


21 

13 

18.9 

1,160 


21 

15 

16.4 

716 


715 

102 

406 

25,000 


1,160 

390 

820 

48, 800 


'940 

37 

336 

20,700 


95 

16 

33.7 

2,070 


44 

13 

20.9 

1,270 


33 

11 

18.5 

1,140 


51 

37 

49.4 

1,860 


132 

108 

116 

2,070 


35S 

114 

267 

16,400 


1,330 
260 

185 

39 

794 

113 

47,200 

6,950 


39 

24 

33. S 

2,080 


23 

14 

19.9 

1,180 


38 

14 

20.7 

1,270 


30 

22 

25.4 

907 


Note.—R ecords for 1913 and 1914 revised 


















































































260 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


COTTONWOOD CREEK. 

COTTONWOOD CREEK NEAR BIG PINEY, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 21, T. 32 N., R. Ill W., at highway bridge near Hayden’s 
ranch, 16 miles north of Big Piney, in Lincoln County. 

Drainage area.— 241 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale,. 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —April 25, 1916, to September 30, 1919. 

Gage. —Creek flows in two channels 1 mile apart; vertical staff on North channel and 
Stevens water-stage recorder on South channel at highway bridge. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1916-1919 (North channel): Maximum stage recorded r 
4.2 feet at 8 p. m. June 16, 1918, affected by backwater. Maximum discharge of 
590 second-feet occurred at 5 p. m. June 23 and 24, 1917; minimum discharge, 
channel dry during August and September, 1919. (South channel). Maximum 
stage recorded, 5.0 feet from 8 a. m. to 2 p. m. June 17,1918 (discharge, 355 second- 
feet); minimum discharge, channel dry during periods in summer of 1919. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1919, adjudicated diversions of 48 second-feet from 
Cottonwood Creek above station, and 52 second-feet below. 

Accuracy. —(North channel). Gage read twice daily during high water and once 
daily at other times. Rating curve well defined except during June, 1918, when 
drift lodged on fence below gage and caused backwater. Records fair. (South 
channel.) Gage read once daily during 1916-1917; continuous record from 
recording gage during 1918 and 1919. Rating curve well defined except during 
high water of 1917. Records good except for 1917, for which they are fair. 

Monthly discharge of North channel of Cottonwood Creek near Big Piney , Wyo.,for 1916- 

1919. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-cff in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1916. 





April 25-30. 

288 

89 

196 

2,330 


184 

33 

69.7 

4,290 

June. 

248 

53 

116 

6,900 


170 

36 

77.8 

4, 780 

August. 

124 

36 

54.7 

3,360 

September. 

40 

30 

33.2 

1,980 

The year. 




23,600 

1916-17. 




October 1-21. 

30 

15 

25.0 

1,040 

May 20-31. 

492 

276 

365 

8,690 


590 

152 

329 

19,600 


396 

78 

191 

11, 700 

August. 

86 

28 

51.1 

3,140 

September. 

30 

20 

25.3 

1)510 

1917-18. 





October. 

20 

16 

18.4 

1,130 

November. 

40 

16 

28.0 

l)670 

April 7-30. 

142 

52 

86.8 

4,130 


220 

42 

116 

7,130 


586 

54 

309 

18,400 


156 

39 

79.5 

4,890 

August. 

46 

19 

27.6 

1)700 

September. 

27 

20 

24.1 

1)430 

1918-19. 





October. 

32 

19 

28.5 

1, 750 

November 1-13. 

32 

23 

29.1 

751 


244 

42 

121 

7,200 


39 

5 

20.2 

1) 240 


42 

1.5 

12.6 

k750 


42 

.5 

18.6 

1“140 

August. 

10 

.0 

1.86 

'114 

September. 

0 

.0 

0 

0 


























































GREEN RIVER BASIN 


261 


Monthly discharge of South channel of Cottonwood Creek 

1919. 


near Big Piney, Wyo.,for 1916- 


Month. 


April 25-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


1916. 


October. 

November 1-18 

May 11-31. 

June.. 

July.. 

August. 

September. 


1916-17. 


October... 
November, 
April 7-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


1917-18. 


October. 

November 1-3. 
April 14-30.... 

May 1-12. 

June. 

July. 

August.. 

September 1-9 


1918-19. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

166 

84 

115 

1,370 

130 

13 

58.2 

3,580 

166 

42 

84.3 

5 ,020 

67 

5 

26.6 

L 640 

56 

5 

12.3 

756 

5 

3 

4.28 

255 




19 Ann 

11 

4 

6.8 

418 

4 

.2 

1.68 

60 

214 

132 

189 

7,870 

266 

64 

164 

9; 760 

201 

23 

74.8 

4,600 

29 

12 

20.2 

1,240 

14 

12 

13.2 

786 

14 

12 

13.6 

836 

13 

4 

6.1 

363 


8 

36.3 

1,730 

106 

49 

69.2 

4; 250 

354 

46 

193 

11,500 

87 

20 

44.0 

2,710 

23 

16 

17.9 

1,100 

20 

13 

16.4 

976 

23 

15 

18.6 

1,140 

24 

18 

20.4 

526 

62 

45 

51.6 

1,740 

44 

17 

24.8 

590 

18 

1.0 

9.34 

556 

7.5 

0 

2.50 

154 

2.6 

0 

.88 

54 

2.2 

0 

1.02 

18 


EAST FORK RIVER BASIN. 

EAST FORK RIVER AT EAST FORK CANAL, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 10, T. 31 N., R. 106 W., 300 feet above intake of East Fork canal, 
and 18 miles southeast of Boulder, Fremont County. No tributary within several 

miles. 

Drainage area. —106 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1: 500,000). 

Records available. —May 14, 1916, to September 29, 1917; May 15 to September 30, 

1921. 

Gage. —Vertical staff at left bank. 

Extremes of discharge. —1916-1917; 1921: Maximum stage recorded, 4.6 feet on 
June 23, 25, 1917 (discharge, 1,260 second-feet); minimum stage occurred during 
winter. 

Diversions.— Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 26 second-feet from 
East Fork River above station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily. Rating curve fairly well defined. Records fair. 























































262 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of East ForJc River at East Fork canal , Wyo.,for 1916-1917; 1921. 


Month. 


1916. 

May 14-31. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


May 15-31. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


1917. 


May 15-31. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


1921. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

315 

139 

204 

7,280 

1,260 

315 

675 

40,200 

455 

97 

227 

14,000 

97 

12 

37.5 

2,310 

18 

8 

12.9 

768 


.1. 

64,600 



205 

135 

178 

6,000 

1,400 

155 

731 

43,500 

900 

135 

441 

27,100 

115 

27 

46.6 

2,870 

65 

18 

34.2 

2,040 




81,500 

. 



1,110 

230 

523 

17,600 

1,180 

285 

651 

38,700 

315 

38 

120 

7,380 

51 

8 

17.6 

1,080 

27 

12 

\ 

14.3 

851 




65,600 





EAST FORK RIVER AT NEW FORK, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 33, T. 32 N., R. 108 W., at highway bridge a quarter of a mile 
south of New Fork, Fremont County. No tributary between station and mouth, 
1 mile below. 

Drainage area.— 348 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— April 1, 1905, to October 31, 1906; May 11, 1915, to Sep¬ 
tember 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Vertical staff on downstream side of left abutment. Gage used during 1905 
was a quarter of a mile upstream; during 1906, gage was at bridge, and referred 
to datum 0.27 foot higher than present gage. 

Extremes of discharge. —1905-1906; 1915-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 6.8 
feet at 6 a. m. on June 11, 1918, caused by backwater from New Fork. Maximum 
discharge recorded, 2,940 second-feet at 6.30 a. m. on June 19,1917; minimum dis¬ 
charge, 25 second-feet at 6 p. m. April 4, 1920. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 141 second-feet from 
East Fork River, all above station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily except during 1905-1906, when it was read once 
daily. Rating curve fairly well defined 1905-1906 and well defined 1915-1921. 
Records good for 1905-1906, and excellent for remainder of period, except during 
winter, for which they are fair. 


















































GREEN RIVER BASIN 


263 


Monthly discharge of East Fork River at New Fork, Wyo.Jor 1905-1906, 1915- 


Month. 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1905. 


The period. 


October.... 
November. 
December. 
January.... 
February.. 

March_ 

April.. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 
September. 


1905-6. 


The year. 
October. 


May 11-31.. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1915. 


The period. 


October... 
November. 
December. 
January... 
February.. 

March.. 

April.. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1915-16. 


The year. 


October... 
November. 
December. 
January... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1916-17. 


The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


58 

820 

2,550 

338 

58 

43 


133 


1,480 

2,380 

600 

299 

90 


Mi nimum . 


2,380 

59 


595 

1,020 

338 

109 

181 


148 


370 

799 

2,120 

655 

104 

64 


2,120 


89 

72 


410 
370 
2,940 
2,100 
134 
87 


2,940 


43 

58 

370 

58 

43 

30 


Mean. 


52.9 

286 

1,230 

147 

47.8 

33.5 


30 


100 

306 

109 

59 

47 


47 


190 

268 

48 

38 

38 


73 


216 

582 

100 

59 

48 


35.8 

30 

30 

25 

25 

30 

75 

713 

887 

321 

120 

61.6 


196 

50.1 


356 

499 

160 

50.5 

81.3 


48 


74 

202 

150 

69 

57 


99.2 

70 

65 

60 

55 

60 

178 

412 

1,330 

268 

75.0 

54.1 


226 


72.5 

63 

55 

50 

50 

55 

125 

225 

1,520 

716 

83.9 

68.9 


257 


1921. 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


3,150 

17,600 

73,400 

9,040 

2,940 

1,990 


108,000 


2,200 

1,790 

1,840 

1,540 

1,390 

1,840 

4,460 

43.800 

52.800 
19,700 

7,380 

3,670 


142,000 

3,080 


14,800 

29,700 

9.840 
3,110 

4.840 


62,300 


6,100 
4,170 
4,000 
3,690 
3,160 
3,690 
10,600 
25,300 
79,100 
16,500 
4,610 
3,220 


164,000 


4,460 
3,750 
3,380 
3,070 
2,780 
3,380 
7,440 
13,800 
90,400 
44,000 
5,160 
4,100 


186,000 


105707—23— wsp 469-18 
















































































































264 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Monthly discharge of East Fork River at New Fork, Wyo.,for 1905-1906, 1915-19.il — 

Continued. 


Month. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March.. 

April.. 

May.. 

June.. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1917-18. 


The year. 


October. 

November. 

September 11-30. 


1918-19. 


October.... 
November. 
December., 
January.... 
February.. 

March.. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1919-20. 


The year. 


October..., 
November. 
December. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April.. 

May. 

June. 

July.. 

August. 

September. 


1920-21. 


The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


Minimum. 


73 

77 


138 

432 

2,540 

174 

68 

60 


2,540 


82 

75 

46 


53 

49 


400 
2,130 
2,320 
351 
66 
57 


2,320 


59 


102 
2,340 
2,800 
290 
64 
52 


2,800 


59 

66 


100 

231 

68 

60 

54 


58 

40 

36 


40 


25 

63 

262 

57 

57 

54 


Mean. 


65.2 

69.2 
60 
50 
50 
50 
90 

308 

1,530 

102 

62.6 

56.9 


207 


68.5 
61.4 

37.6 


45.9 

35 

30 

30 

30 

35 

95.8 

583 

1,050 

120 

58.4 

55.1 


52 


56 

52 

308 

59 

52 

50 


181 


57.0 

57.0 

55 

50 

50 

95 

64.8 
518 

1,370 

94.0 

56.3 

50.8 


209 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


4,010' 
4,120 
3,690 
3,070 
2,780 
3,070 
5,360 
18,900 
91,000 
6,270 
3,850 
3,390' 


150,000 


4,210' 
3,650 
1,490 


2,820 
2,080 
1,840 
1,840- 
1,730 
2,150 
5,700 
35,800 
62,500 
7,380 
3,590 
3,280 


131,000 


3, 500 
3,390 
3,380 
3,070 

2.780 
5,840 
3,860 

31,900 

81,500 

5.780 
3,460 
3,020 


151,000 


Note.—W inter records estimated. 


NEW FORK RIVER NEAR CORA, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 29, T. 36 N., R. 110 W., miles below outlet of New Fork Lake 
and 10 miles northwest of Cora post office, in Fremont County. 

Drainage area.— Not measured. 

Records available. —July 29 to November 30, 1910. 

Gage.— Vertical staff; read by Eugene Alexander. 

Diversions. —Only one small ditch above station. 

Accuracy.— Gage read once daily, except during high water when it is read twice 
daily. Rating curve well defined below 100 second-feet, above which it is uncer¬ 
tain. Records good below 100 second-feet. 















































































GREEN RIVER BASIN. 


265 


Monthly discharge of New Fork River near Cora , Wyo.,for 1910. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1910. 

August. 

42 

9 

7 

7 

9 

2 

7 

7 

23.1 

6.5 

7.0 

7.0 

1,420 

387 

430 

417 

September. 

October. 

November. 

The period. 




2,650 

—-—-- - 





NEW FORK RIVER NEAR BOULDER, WYO. 

Location. About sec. 8, T. 32 N., R. 108 W., at highway bridge 1 mile west of 
Boulder, in Fremont County. Nearest tributary, Boulder Creek, enters one- 
eighth of a mile below. 

Drainage area. 57S square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming' scale 
1:500, 000). 

Records available.— May 11, 1915, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Vertical staff at downstream side of left abutment. 

Extremes op discharge. —1915-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 8.7 feet at 6 a. m., 
on June 17, 1918 (discharge, 12,300 second-feet); minimum discharge, 22 second- 
feet from December 15 to 17, 1915. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 191 second-feet from 
New Fork River above station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curves fairly well defined. Records 
good except during winter, for which they are fair. 


Monthly discharge of New Fork River near Boulder , Wyo.,for 1915-1921. 


Month. 


1915. 

May 11-31. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September... 

The period. 


1915-16. 

October. 

November. 

December.. 

January. 

February. 

March... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.7. 

September.-. 

The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

: 

j Minimum. 

Mean. 

468 

270 

377 

15,700 

1,040 

520 

833 

49,600 

1,070 

486 

826 

50,800 

486 

154 

298 

17,800 

486 

144 

259 

15,400 




149,000 





385 

189 

293 

18,000 

189 

144 

166 

9,880 

118 

42 

79.3 

4,880 

206 

61 

139 

8,550 

260 

82 

187 

10,800 

223 

105 

180 

11,100 

832 

91 

387 

23,000 

832 

430 

562 

34,600 

3,200 

475 

1,860 

111,000, 

2,520 

800 

1,560 

95,900 

865 

299 

553 

34,000 

299 

120 

174 

10,400 

3,200 

42 

512 

372,000 





































































266 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of New Fork River near Boulder , Wyo ., for 1915-1921 —Continued 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year 


October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year 


October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


Month. 


1916-17. 


1917-18. 


1918-19. 


1919-20. 


1920-21. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. Minimum. 


199 

170 


1,090 

3,100 

3,180 

1,340 

400 


3,180 


300 

256 


588 j 
588 
11,800 
2,000 
461 
176 i 


11,800 


294 

216 


160 

2,200 

1,900 

206 

107 

107 


2,200 


174 

154 


2,950 
2,100 
680 
231 


2,950 


183 


360 
1,350 
4,620 
1,800 
562 
231 


4,620 


128 

87 


Mean. 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


300 

495 

1,410 

340 

280 


169 

140 

110 

90 

80 

80 

175 

596 

1,490 

2,300 

650 

339 


521 


177 

140 


176 

238 

461 

506 

163 

126 


148 

99 


117 

160 

230 

68 

64 

64 


125 

100 


980 

680 

242 

151 


135 


130 

220 

1,430 

535 

212 

120 


239 
172 
130 
120 
120 
150 
307 
433 
4,120 
1,130 
297 
143 


611 


240 

154 

100 

95 

95 

115 

128 

667 

613 

110 

80.0 

91.9 


209 


140 

134 

90 

80 

80 

100 

250 

530 

2,260 

1,320 

432 

200 


468 


158 

120 

100 

95* 

95 

120 

232 

476 

2,700 

933 

359 

178 


463 


10,400 
8,330 
6,760 
5,530 
4,440 
4,920 
10,400 
36,600 
88,700 
141,000 
40,000 
20,200 


377,000 


14,700 
10,200 
7,990 
7,380 
6,660 
9,220 
18,300 
26,600 
245,000 
69,500 
18,300 
8,510 


442,000 


14,800 
9,160 
6,150 
5,840 
5,280 
7,070 
7,620 
41,000 
36,500 
6,760 
4,920 
5,470 


151,000 


8,610 
7,970 
5,530 
4,920 
4,600 
6,150 

14.900 

32.600 
134,000 

81,200 

26.600 

11.900 


339,000 


9,720 
7,140 
6,150 
5,840 
5,280 
7,380 
13,800 
29,300 
161,000 
57,400 
22,100 
10,600 


336,000 


Note.— Winter records estimated. 
















































































































GREEN RIVER BASIN. 


267 


PINE CREEK AT PINEDALE, WYO. 

Location. In sec. 4, T. 33 N., R. 109 W., at highway bridge at Pinedale, in Fremont 
County. No important tributary between station and mouth, 3 miles below. 

Drainage area. 128 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale 
1: 500,000). 

Records available.— April 26, 1904, to October 31, 1906; October 1, 1911, to June 
30, 1912; May 8, 1915, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —"Vertical staff on downstream side of bridge pier; read by United States 
Forest Service. During 1904, vertical staff was a quarter of a mile west of Pine¬ 
dale, and during 1905-6 at a point 1 mile above Pinedale. From April 1, 1911, 
to June 30, 1912, chain at outlet of Fremont Lake 4 miles upstream. From May 
8, 1915, to August 16, 1917, vertical staff a quarter of a mile below bridge on 
left bank was used. Flow at different sites practically comparable. 

Extremes of discharge. —1904-1906; 1911-12; 1915-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 
5.0 feet on June 17, 1918 (discharge, 2,310 second-feet); minimum discharge 
recorded, 6 second-feet January 28-30, 1916. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 78 second-feet from 
Pine Creek above Pinedale and 4 second-feet below. 

Accuracy. —Gage probably read once daily during 1904 to 1906 and at irregular 
intervals during 1911 and 1912. Read twice daily during greater part of the 
time during 1915-1921. Rating curves well defined below 2,000 second-feet. 
Records good except during winter, for which they are fair. 


Monthly discharge of Pine Creek at Pinedale, Wyo.,for 1904-1906 , 1915-1918. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1904. 






610 

99 

240 

14,800 

June. 

1,340 

530 

906 

53,900 

July. 

975 

490 

663 

40,800 

August. 

450 

168 

239 

14,700 

September. 

168 

99 

123 

7,320 

The period. 




132,000 

1904-5. 




October. 

99 

24 

42.4 

2,610* 

N ovember. 



22 

1,310 

December. 



20 

1, 230 

January. 4 . 



20 

1,230 

February. 



20 

1,110 

March.. 



22 

l'350 

April. 

35 

26 

29.6 

L760 


258 

43 

95.8 

5, S90 

June. 

1,310 

258 

932 

55,500 


1,200 

451 

904 

55,600 

August. 

451 

159 

236 

14,500 

September. 

138 

54 

96.9 

5,770 

Thp vpar . 

1,310 


205 

148,000 

1905-6. 




October. 

67 

35 

45.1 

2,770' 

N ftvpm Lp.r . 



30 

1,790 

T)p/'pmhpr . 



25 

i;540 

Tn.rmn.rv . 



20 

1,230 

fphmarv . 



20 

LllO 

M »rr>h . 



25 

1,540 

April. 

34 

26 

32.9 

1,960 


594 

55 

228 

14,000 


1,320 

378 

745 

44,300 


1,200 

479 

859 

52,800 

August. 

554 

202 

359 

22,100 

September. 

378 

18 

118 

7,020 


1,320 


210 

152,000 




-- 
































































268 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Monthly discharge of Pine Creek near Pinedale , Wyo., for 1911-12 , 1915-1918. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

flctnhnr 

1911. 



50 

3,070 

'N nvAmhflr .... 



40 

2,380 

Dw>AmhAr ..... 



30 

1,840 

Tfl.nnn.nr ... 



25 

1,540 

Fehrnarv .. . 



25 

1,390 

March . .. 



25 

1,540 

4pril-.-... 

42 

29 

29.9 

1,780 


247 

29 

88.0 

5,410 

June. 

1,620 
1,150 

266 

965 

57,400 


325 

818 

50,300 

August. 

306 

97 

165 

10,100 

Rentflmhfir____ 

97 

42 

54.6 

3,250 






The vear . 


1,620 


193 

140,000 





October_ 

1911-12. 

76 

45 

59.6 

3,660 

2.380 

November.. 


40 

Dp.Mvmhp.r_... 



30 

1,840 

Tannnrv. . 



25 

E540 

1,440 

1,540 

1,920 

5,010 

50,600 

February. . . 



25 

March. 



25 

April. 

42 

29 

32.2 


188 

42 

81.4 

Jnnp._____ 

1,280 

188 

851 




Thp. npriori 





69,900 






Mav 8-31. . 

1915. 

144 

72 

108 

5,130 
17,300 
24, 200 
7,810 
5,910 

June. 

460 

168 

291 

July. 

500 

221 

394 

August. 

216 

74 

127 

Sentemher_____ 

123 

74 

99.3 



The period . 





60,400 






October.... 

1915-16. 

123 

54 

91.6 

5,630 

2,040 

1,170 

November . 

51 

14 

34.2 

December . 

31 

10 

19.0 

January . 

38 

6 

19.6 

1,210 
1,920 
2,210 
2,980 
7,690 
44,700 
60,300 
14,900 
3,370 

February.. 

50 

20 

33.3 

March..'... 

50 

28 

35.9 

April . 

Mav__ 


77 

165 

38 

80 

50.0 

125 

June . 

1,750 

1,560 

410 

114 

752 

Jnlv_____ 

384 

981 

Alienist,___ 


114 

243 

Sen tern her.... 

104 

28 

56.7 



The year . 


1,750 

6 

204 

148,000 




October.. 

1916-17. 

50 

31 

40. 2 

2,470 

1,640 

1,230 

1,230 

1,000 

1,230 

1,540 

5,380 

32,800 

83,600 

■sa 

November. 

44 

19 

27.6 

December. 

20 

20 

18 

20 

January. 



February . 



March.. I . 



April . 

37 

22 

25.9 

May . 

196 

27 

87.5 

551 

June . 

1,710 

140 

July ... 

l',800 

769 

806 

1,360 

296 

August . 

128 

Sentemher_______ 

141 

95 

118 



The year.. 


1,800 


217 

157,000 































































































GREEN RIVER BASIN. 269 

Monthly discharge of Pine Creek near Pinedale, Wyo.,for 1911-12 , 1915-1918 —Contd. 


Month. 


October. 

November_ 

December.. 

January. 

February. 

March.. 

April.. 

May.. 

June.. 

July.. 

August.. 

September.... 

The year 


1917-18. 


1918-19. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


1919-20. 


1920-21 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January.. 

February.. 

March.. 

April. 

May.. 

June.. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


95 

42 


40 
112 
2,170 
1,200 
301 
82 


2,170 


102 

71 


32 

1,050 

910 

85 

45 

60 


1,050 


62 


26 

37 

270 

1,040 

900 

320 

91 


1,040 


45 

43 


40 

295 

1,640 

910 

275 

100 


1,640 


Minimum. 


43 

26 


28 

33 

100 

314 

83 

49 


50 

40 


19 

20 
97 
20 
26 
32 


50 


25 

25 

37 

320 

320 

85 

45 


Mean. 


70.6 

33.0 

25 

2'5 

20 

25 

. 36.7 
78.1 
1,240 
712 
178 
60.8 


208 


79 9 

53.5 
30 
25 
25 
20 

21.6 
258 
314 

34.9 

33.5 

50.1 


79 


57.5 

45 

35 

25 

25 

25.2 

32.1 

101 

788 

663 

161 

66.4 


1,70 


40 

38 


28 

32 

345 

275 

85 

28 


42.2 

39.7 
28 
25 
20 
22 

34.5 

79.7 
1,040 

506 

146 

65.6 


171 


Hun-off in 
acre-feet. 


4,340 
1,960 
1,540 
1,540 
1,110 
1,540 
2,180 
4,800 

73.800 

43.800 

10,900 
3,620 


151,000 


4,910 
3,180 
1,840 
1,540 
1,390 
1,230 
1,290 
15,900 
18,700 
2,150 
2,060 
2,980 


57,200 


3.540 
2,680 
2,150 

1.540 
1,440 
1,550 
1,910 
6,210 

46,900 
40,800 
9,900 
3,950 


123,000 


2,590 

2,360 

1,720 

1,540 

1,230 

1,350 

2,050 

4.900 
61,900 
31,100 

8,980 

3.900 


124,000 


Note.—W inter records estimated. 

6 

POLE CREEK AT FAYETTE, WYO. 

Location.— In sec. 9, T. 33 N., R. 108 W., about 300 yards from Fayette post office. 
Drainage area. —126 square miles (measured on General Land Office map). 

Records available. —April 24, 1904, to October 31, 1906. 

Gage.— Vertical staff set in bed of stream and braced to left bank; read by G. N- 
Stadin. 


























































































270 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Extremes of discharge. —1904-1906: Maximum stage recorded, 3.5 feet on May 
24-27, June 19-20, 1904 (discharge, 1,220 second-feet); minimum discharge occurs 
during winter. 

Diversions. —Prior to May 1, 1904, adjudicated diversions of 28.6 second-feet above 
station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily. Rating curve well defined. Because of only 
one daily gage reading, records good, except during winter, for which they are fair. 

Monthly discharge of Pole CreeJc at Fayette , Wyo., for 1904-1906. 


May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The period 


October. 

November... 
December... 

January. 

February... 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 

The year 


October. 

November... 
December... 

January. 

February 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July.... 

August.. 

September.. 

The year 


Month. 


1904. 


1904-5. 


1905-6. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


1,220 

1,220 

615 

205 

64 


22 


36 

359 

1,080 

635 

150 

47 


1,080 


19 


85 

600 

980 

470 

359 

635 


980 


Minimum. 


64 

445 

205 

64 

22 


16 


16 

42 

221 

137 

54 

19 


16 


25 

85 

255 

190 

76 

60 


Mean. 


419 

800 

371 

116 

48.8 


21.5 
12 
10 
10 
10 
15 

23.8 
132 
669 
319 

91.5 

32.8 


112 


17.3 

12 

10 

10 

10 

15 

35.5 

313 

476 

328 

168 

264 


138 


Run-off 
in acre-feet. 


25.800 
47,600 

22.800 
7,130 
2,900 


106,000 


1,320 
714 
615 
615 
555 
922 
1,420 
8,120 
39,800 
19,600 
5,630 
1,950 


81,300 


1,060 

714 

615 

615 

555 

922 

2,110 

19.200 

28.300 

20.200 

10.300 
15,700 


100,000 


Note.— Winter records estimated. 


FALL CREEK NEAR FAYETTE, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 10, T. 33 N., R. 108 W., 1 mile southeast of Fayette post office, at 
the crossing of upper Boulder road. 

Drainage area. —46 square miles. 

Records available. —April 24, 1904, to October 31, 1905. 

Gage. —Vertical staff set in bed of stream and braced to left bank; read by G. ,N. 
Stadin. 

Extremes of discharge. —1904-1905: Maximum stage recorded, 3.0 feet June 19-21, 
1904 (discharge, 480 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 1.10 feet September 
26-30, October 8-14, 1905 (discharge, 2 second-feet). 

Diversions.— Prior to April 1 , 1904, adjudicated diversions of 15.9 second-feet from 
Fall Creek above station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily. Rating curve well defined. Records good, ex¬ 
cept during winter, for which they are fair. 
























































GREEN RIVER BASIN. 


271 


Monthly discharge of Fall Creek near Fayette, Wyo ., for 1904-1905 . 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1904. 

480 

480 

180 

70 

16 

25 

138 

51 

16 

7 

189 

302 

99.3 

31.0 

8.0 

11,600 

18,000 

6,110 

1,910 

476 



August. 

September. 

The period. 




38,100 

1904-5. 

October. 




7 

7 

7 

5 

4 

3 

3 

4 

10 

50.4 
252 

130 

23.5 
5.33 

430 

298 

246 

184 

167 

246 

595 

3,100 

15,000 

7,990 

1,440 

317 

November. 

December. 



January. 



February. 



March_:. 



April. 



May. 

157 

380 

365 

46 

10 

18 

157 

46 

10 

2 

June... 

July... 

August. 

September.. 

The year. 

380 


41.5 

30,000 

October. 


3 

2 

2.77 

170 



Note.—W inter records estimated. 


BOULDER CREEK NEAR BOULDER, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 4, T. 32 N., R. 108 W., at Sandlin ranch 2 miles northwest of 
Boulder, in Fremont County. No tributary between station and mouth, 2 miles 

below. 

Drainage area. —112 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500.000). 

Records available. —April 23, 1904, to October 31, 1906; May 10, 1915, to Septem¬ 
ber 30, 1921. 

Gagb^—C hain installed May 19, 1920, 50 feet upstream from vertical staff used prior 
to that date, and referred to same datum. Gage used 1904-1906 a short distance 
upstream. 

Extremes op discharge.— 1904-1906, 1915-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 6.8 feet 
at 7 a. m. June 14, 1918 (discharge, 3,240 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 
0.20 foot at 7 p. m. August 25 and 7 a. m. August 26, 1917 (discharge, 1 second- 
foot). 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 83 second-feet from 
Boulder Creek, all above station. 

Accuracy.— Gage read twice daily. Rating curves well defined below 2,000 second- 
feet. Records good except during winter, for which they are fair. 













































272 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Monthly discharge of Boulder Creek near Boulder , Wyo., for 1904-1906, 1915-1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1904. 






1,720 

127 

594 

36,500 

June. 

2,060 

888 

1,550 

92,200 

July. 

1,280 

308 

620 

38,100 

August. 

271 

77 

134 

8,240 

September. 

77 

24 

43.6 

2,590 

The period_. . 


1 ” 


178,000 

1904-5. 





October. 

24 

18 

18.8 

1,160 

November. 



18 

1,070 

December. 


1 . 

20 

1,230 

January. 



20 

1,230 

February..._. 



20 

i; no 

March..'. . 



20 

1,230 

A pri 1. . 



35 

2,080 


544 

42 

188 

11,600 

June. 

1,940 

913 

1,350 

80,300 


1,160 

157 

543 

33,400 

August. 

133 

35 

64.5 

3,970 

September. 

35 

9 

23.6 

1,400 

The year. 

1,940 


193 

140,000 

1905-6. 





October. 

9 

9 

9 

553 

May. 

1,030 

100 

532 

32,700 

June. 

2,620 

429 

1,040 

61,900 

July. 

970 

206 

614 

37,800 

August. 

345 

77 

155 

9,530 

September. 

157 

29 

69.2 

4,120 

October. 

42 

18 

29.0 

1,780 

1915. 





May 10-31. 

378 

88 

218 

9,500 

June. 

765 

360 

551 

32,800 

July. 

515 

34 

226 

16,400 

August. 

37 

1 

12.7 

781 

September. 

184 

3 

42.6 

2,530 

The period. 




62,000 

1915-16. 




October. 

190 

30 

101 

6,210 

November. 



30 

1,790 

December. 



30 

l'840 

January. 



35 

2,150 

February. 



35 

2,010 

March. 



33 

2,030 

April. 

144 

33 

65 

3,870 

May. 

488 

130 

241 

14,800 


2,340 

334 

1,270 

75,600 

July. 

1,100 

102 

510 

31,400 

August. 

144 

12 

56.5 

3,470 

September. 

12 

7.4 

8 . 79 

'523 

The year. 

2,340 


202 

146,000 

1916-17. 



October. 

41 

7 

18.7 

1,150 

November. 



20 

1 190 

December. 



20 

1 * 230 

January. 



25 

1 540 

February.. 



25 

1 390 

March..!!. 



20 

1 * 230 




20 

1 190 


230 

18 

118 

7,260 


2,710 

141 

1,150 

68,400 


2,480 

288 

1,140 

70,100 

August. 

237 

1 

70.4 

4; 330 

September. 

118 

23 

64.5 

3,880 

The year.. 

2,710 


225 

163,000 









































































































GREEN RIVER BASIN 


273 


Monthly discharge of Boulder Creek 


near Boulder, Wyo., for 1904-1906, 1915-1921- 
Continued. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March.. ^. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October... 

November 

December. 

January... 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


The year 


October... 
November. 
April 14-30 

May.. 

June.. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


Month. 


1917-18. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


47 

31 


Minimum. 


3 

14 


1918-19. 


66 

215 

3,160 

450 

35 

8 


Mean. 


3,160 


12 

14 

178 

43 

7 

6 


63 

51 


14.9 

26.0 

25 

25 

25 

35 

48.7 

123 

1,700 

213 

16.5 

6.6 


186 


5 

22 


21 

82 

1,900 

700 

25 

6 

3 


4 

54 

25 

6 

3 

3 


1,900 


27.5 

35 

25 

20 

20 

IS 

32.7 

551 

178 

9.4 

3.7 

3.0 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


916 
1,550 
1,540 
1,540 
1,390 
2,150 
2,900 
7,560 
101,000 
13,100 
1,010 
393 


135,000 


77.6 


1,690 
2,080 
1,540 
1,230 
1,110 
1,110 
1,950 
33,900 
10,600 
578 
22S 
179 


56,200 


1919-20. 


1920-21. 




69 

4 

68 

40 

95 ; 

82 

1,160 

87 

1,880 

490 

700 

90 

81 

16 

16 

9 


49.8 

55.0 

85.3 

339 

1,140 

313 

35.5 

11.1 


3,060 
3,270 
2,880 
20,800 
67,800 
19,200 
2,180 
660 


44 7 

48 36 


1,420 14 

2,760 495 

625 42 

41 13 

13 8 


21.8 

42.8 
30 
25 
25 
25 
25 

287 

1,530 

197 

23.2 

12.9 


1,340 
2,550 
1,840 
1,540 
1,390 
1,540 
1,490 
17,600 
91,000 
12,100 
1,430 
768 


2,760 


187 


135,000 


Note.— Winter records estimated. Records for 1904 revised. 


PINEY CREEK. 

NORTH PINEY CREEK NEAR MARBLETON, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 19, T. 31 N., R. 113 W., 300 yards above headgate of North Piney 
canal and 20 miles northwest of Marbleton, in Lincoln County. No important 
tributary within several miles. 

Drainage area. —58 square miles (measured on special map published in United 
States Geological Survey Bull. 543). 

Records available. —May 17, 1915, to September 30, 1916. 




























































































274 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Gage. —Lallie water-stage recorder on left bank 300 yards above headgate of North 
Piney canal. 

Extremes of discharge. —1915-1916: Maximum stage from recording gage chart, 
4.98 feet at noon June 19, 1916 (discharge, 613 second-feet); minimum discharge 
probably occurs during winter. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of about 8 second- 
feet from North Piney Creek above the station, and 209 second-feet below. 

Accuracy. —Gage heights from continuous record. Rating curve well defined. 
Records excellent except during winter, for which they are fair. 


Monthly discharge of North Piney Creek near Marbleton, Wyo ., for 1915-1916. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

June.... 

1915. 

130 

64 

99.0 

5,890 

July. 

88 

42 

54.2 

3,330 

August. 

43 

30 

37. 4 

2,300 

Sentember____ 

41 

28 

32.8 

1,950 




The period.... 





13,500 







October... 

1915-16. 

33 

25 

27 

1,660 

November. 

25. 

1,490 

December. 



20 ~ 

V 230 

January. 



15 

922 

February. 



15 

863 

March...'. 



15 

922 

April. 

180 


63 

3 870 

May.. 

120 

28 

69.1 

4' 250 

June. 

591 

94 

312 

18' 600 

July. 

322 

88 

172 

10 600 

August. 

88 

35 

56.7 

3'490 

Sentember____ 

39 

28 

31.2 

1,860 



The vear_ 


591 


68.9 

49 S00 





MIDDLE PINEY CREEK NEAR BIG PINEY, WYO. 

Location, —In sec. 30, T. 30 N., R. 113 W., at Black’s ranch, 15 miles west of Big 
Piney, in Lincoln County. No important tributary within several miles. 

Drainage area.—16 square miles (measured on special map published in United 
States Geological Survey Bull. 543). 

Records available. —April 1, 1915, to November 23, 1918. State engineer main¬ 
tained station at Budd’s ranch dmdng 1914. 

Gage. —Vertical staff at left bank 200 feet below house. Prior to 1916, gage was 1 
mile downstream at C. P. Budd’s ranch. 

Extremes of discharge. —1915-1918: Maximum stage recorded, 2.65 feet at 6 a.m. 
on June 16, 17, 18, 1918 (discharge, 282 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 
0.70 foot May 2 to 15, 1915 (discharge, 2 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 34 second-feet 
from Middle Piney Creek above station and 72 second-feet below. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curve well defined. Records excellent 
except during winter, for which they are fair. 








































GREEN RIVER BASIN 


275 


Monthly discharge of Middle Piney Creek near Big Piney , Wyo., for 1915-1918. 


Month. 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1915. 


The period. 


October... 
N ovember. 
December. 
January..., 
February.. 
March. 


1915-16. 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


The year. 


October..., 
N ovember. 
December. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1916-17. 


The year. 


October.... 
N ovember. 
December. 
January.... 
February.. 
March...'... 

April.. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1917-18. 


The year. 


October. 

November 1-23.. 


1918. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


9 

22 

53 

58 

22 

16 


Minimum. 


16 


37 

28 

134 

98 

56 

23 


134 


13 


26 

63 

255 

260 

62 

27 


260 


16 

12 


22 

33 

282 

82 

47 

17 


282 


12 

10 


4 

2 

8 

13 

10 

10 


12 

12 

42 

22 

11 


5 

14 

37 

68 

24 

17 


6 

16 

19 

42 

16 

10 


Mean. 


5.70 
7.06 

19.5 
29.2 
14.9 

13.6 


12 
10 
8 
5 
5 
5 
16 
17^2 
66 . 8 
62.8 
32.4 
16.1 


21.4 


10.5 
6 

5 

5 

5 

5 

9 

40.2 
131 
148 

42.2 

21.6 


36.0 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


12.4 
7.8 
5 

5 

5 

5 

14.9 
23.2 

141 

56.4 
28.0 

13.9 


26.4 


10.7 

7.0 


339 

434 

1,160 

1,800 

916 

809 


5,460 


738 

595 

492 

307 

288 

307 

952 

1,060 

3,970 

3,860 

1,990 

958 


15,500 


646 
357 
307 
307 
278 
307 
536 
2,470 
7,800 
9,100 
2,590 
1,290 


26,000 


762 
464 
307 
307 
278 
307 
887 
1,430 
8,390 
3,470 
1,720 
827 


19,100 


658 

319 


Note.—W inter records estimated. 

LABARGE CREEK. 

LABARGE CREEK NEAR LABARGE, WYO. 

Location.— In sec. 29, T. 26 N., R. 113 W., at Welty’s ranch, 3 miles west of Labarge, 
in Lincoln County. No important tributary between station and mouth, 6 miles 
below. 

Drainage area. —176 square miles (measured on special map published in L T nited 
States Geological Survey Bull. 543). 

Records available. —April 17 to September 20, 1913; April 1, 1915, to November 8, 
1916. State engineer maintained station during 1913 and 1914. 

























































































276 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Gage— Vertical staff at right bank 250 feet downstream from highway bridge at 
Welty’s ranch. 

Extremes of discharge. —1913, 1915-1916: Maximum stage recorded, 2.45 feet 
May 27, 1913 (discharge, 478 second-feet)*; minimum stage recorded, 0.65 foot at 
7 p. m. July 1, 5 p. m. July 3, and July 7-14, 1915 (discharge, 3 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, there were adjudicated diversions of 185 
second-feet from Labarge Creek above station and 103 second-feet below. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curve fairly well defined except for 
periods of shifting control. Records fair. 


Monthly discharge of Labarge Creek near Labarge , Wyo.,for 1913, 1915-1916. 


Month. . 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1913. 





April 17-30. * . 

316 

154 

222 

6,160 


478 

172 

321 

19,700 


442 

172 

250 

14,900 

July. 

280 

38 

114 

7,010 

August.. 

136 

64 

101 

6,210 

September 1-20. 

136 

82 

91.8 

3,640 

The period. 




57,600 

1915. 




April 1-27. 

120 

98 

106 

5,680 

May 4-28. 

104 

55 

74.9 

4,160 

Juiie. 

62 

6 

29.9 

1,780 

July. 

38 

4 

13.3 

818 

August. 

62 

38 

51.6 

3,170 

September. 

148 

48 

75.8 

4, 510 

1915-16. 





October. 

88 

64 

70.8 

4,350 

November 1-9. 

64 

61 

63.1 

1,130 

April 2-30. 

258 

98 

156 

8,970 


302 

214 

256 

15,700 

June. 

296 

181 

240 

14,300 

July. 

170 

104 

129 

7,930 

August. 

154 

93 

105 

6,460 

September. 

110 

82 

90.8 

5,400 

October. 

98 

SZ 

89.5 

5, .300 

November 1-8 . 

98 

93 

96.8 

1,540 


FONTENELLE CREEK. 

FONTENELLE CREEK NEAR FONTENELLE, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 3, T. 24 N., R. 113 W., at bridge at Holden’s ranch on stage 
road from Opal to Big Piney and 5 miles west of Fontenelle, Lincoln County. 
No important tributary between station and mouth. 

Drainage area. —224 square miles (measured on special map published in United 
States Geological Survey Bull. 543). 

Records available. —May 21, 1915, to September 30, 1919. State engineer main¬ 
tained station during 1914. 

Gage. —Vertical staff at downstream end of right abutment. 

Extremes of discharge. —1915-1919: Maximum stage recorded, 2.7 feet on May 22, 
1917 (discharge, 900 second-feet); minimum discharge, 1 second-foot or less on 
days during summer of 1919. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 78 second-feet 
from Fontenelle Creek; percentage above station not known. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily except during high water in 1917, when it was read 
twice daily. Rating curve fairly well defined. Records good except during 
winter, for which they are fair. 


















































GREEK RIVER BASIN 


277 


Monthly discharge of Fontenelle Creek near Fontenelle, Wyo.Jor 1915-1919 . 


May 21-31. 

June. 

July 1-6... 
August... 
September 


October.. 

November 1—13 
March 21-31... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September 


October. 

November_ 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

Febniary. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September- 

The year 


Month 


1915. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


Minimum. 



Run-off 
in acre-feet. 


80 

65 

2 

26 

104 


38 

2 

2 

15 

16 


62.1 

32.7 

20 

19.9 

40.6 


1,350 

1,950 

25 

1,220 

2,420 


1915-16. 


1916-17. 


42 

27 

50 

20 

190 

50 

565 

76 

549 

168 

449 

150 

150 

69 

87 

47 

69 

34 


35.5 

2,180 

30.7 

792 

126 

2,750 

269 

16,000 

315 

19,400 

331 

19, 700 

94.6 

5,820 

60.5 

3,720 

40.5 

2,410 


122 


33 


900 

825 

435 

109 

62 


111 

435 

97 

62 

19 


70.8 

30 

25 

25 

25 

25 

95 

482 

617 

201 

82.7 

44.5 


4,350 

1,790 

1,540 

1,540 

1,390 

1,540 

5.650 
29,600 
36,700 
12,400 

5,080 

2.650 


900 


144 


104,000 


1917-18. 


49 


23 


240 

496 

496 

143 

70 

54 


54 

176 

143 

62 

40 

37 


32.8 
28 
25 
25 
25 
40 

140 

319 

308 

97.6 

56.1 

41.9 


2,020 
1,670 
1,540 
1,540 
1,390 
2,460 
8,330 
19,600 
18,300 
6,000 
3,450 
2,490 


1918-19. 


496 


95.0 


68,800 


66 


40 


138 

132 

74 


28 

74 

8 


25 

20 


1 

1 


47.4 

35 

30 

30 

30 

30 

79.7 

97.7 
27.2 

5.0 

18.6 

13.6 


2.910 
2 ,080 
1,840 
1,840 
1,670 
1,840 
4,740 
6,010 
1,620 
307 
1,140 
809 


138 


37.0 


26,800 


Note.—W inter records estimated, 



















































































278 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


BIG SANDY CREEK BASIN. 

BIG SANDY CREEK NEAR BIG SANDY, WYO. 

Location. —At Leckie’s ranch, in sec. 18, T. 30 N., R. 104 W., 4 miles east of Big 
Sandy post office; below all mountain tributaries. 

Drainage area. —105 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —July 26, 1910, to August 31, 1911. 

Gage. —Chain gage on left bank a quarter of a mile below Leckie’s ranch house; 
read by Mrs. Annie Leckie. 

Extremes of discharge. —Data too meager. 

Diversions. —No diversions above station. Eden Irrigation Co. has a reservoir at 
the site of this gaging station. 

Accuracy. —Gage probably read twice daily. Rating curve well defined. Records 
fair. 


Monthly discharge of Big Sandy River near Big Sandy , Wyo., for 1910-1911. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off 
in acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1910. 





July 26-31. 

71 

47 

53.0 

631 

August. 

77 

16 

30.3 

1,860 

September. 

20 

16 

19.1 

1,140 

The period. 




3,630 

1910-11. 





October. 

25 

16 

22.9 

1,410 

November 1-20. 

16 

12 

15.6 

619 


208 

82 

168 

10,300 


396 

208 

292 

17,400 

July... 

241 

68 

147 

9,040 

August. 

77 

52 

59.8 

3,680 


BIG SANDY CREEK NEAR EDEN, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 13, T. 28 N. R. 106 W., at Poston’s ranch, 20 miles north of 
Eden. 

Drainage area. —Approximately 265 square miles. 

Records available. —April 28 to October 7, 1911. 

Gage. —Probably vertical staff; read by W. E. Robertson. 

Extremes of discharge. —Data too meager. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1 , 1912, adjudicated diversions of 38 second-feet above the 
station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily. Rating curve fairly well defined. Records fair 
to good. 


Monthly discharge of Big Sandy Creek near Eden , Wyo., for 1911. 


1 

Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off 
in acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1911. 






294 

27 

174 

10,700 


818 

342 

536 

31,900 


510 

86 

180 

11,100 

August. 

86 

13 

45.3 

2,790 

September. 

56 

13 

28.9 

1^720 

October 1-7. 

118 

56 

102 

1,420 

The period. 




59 600 


























































GREEN RIVER BASIN. 


279 


BIG SANDY CREEK NEAR FARSON, WYO. 

Location. In sec. 18, T. 27 N., R. 106 W., three-quarters of a mile below Ten Trees 

and 18 miles north of Farson. Sweetwater County. No tribuary within several 
miles of station. 

Drainage area. 322 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming- scale 
1:500.000). 

Records available— May 6. 1915. to September 30, 1917: April 28 to September 
30, 1921. 

Gage— Stevens 8-day water-stage recorder installed May 1, 1921, at left bank half a 
mile abo\e head of Eden canal, referred to datum of staff gage at same site used 
from 1915 to 1917. 

Extremes of discharge. 1915-1917. 1921: Maximum stage recorded, 5.7 feet 
June 26, 1917 (discharge, 1,160 second-feet); minimum stage, 1.35 feet September 
28-30, 1917 (discharge. 7 second-feet). 

Diversions. Prior to July 1 , 1921, adjudicated diversions of 43 second-feet from Big 
Sandy Creek above station and 4 second-feet below. 

Accuracy. Gage read once daily from 1915 to 1917; continuous record during 1921. 
Rating curve fairly well defined. Records fair for 1915 to 3917, and excellent 
for 1921. 


Monthly discharge of Big Sandy Creel near Farson, Wyo., 1915 - 1917 , 1921 . 


Month. 


1915. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

The period. 


1916. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1917. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 


1921. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August . 

September. 

The period. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Pam-off in 




acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 


500 

126 

280 

17,200 

600 

220 

330 

19,600 

290 

30 

103 

4,140 

200 

20 

67.4 





17,300 




440 

146 

268 

16,500 

740 

Mo 

547 

32,500 

440 

135 

252 

15, 500 

116 

34 

71.8 

4,410 

| 135 

22 

60.6 

3,610 




72,500 




410 

252 

333 

20,500 

1,160 

252 

7Q0 

41,700 

902 

180 

419 

25,800 

278 

12 

71.4 

4,390 

76 

7 

30.7 

1,830 




94,200 




752 

.... 

28 

304 

18,700 

1,020 

380 

647 

38,500 

353 

74 

183 

11,300 

87 

10 

37.0 

2,280 

34 

8 

17.6 

1,050 



71,800 

.1. 




SQUAW CREEK NEAR BIG SANDY, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 4, T. 30 N., R. 104 W., at Dutch Joe ranger station, 1 mile above 
mouth of Dutch Joe Creek, 1^ miles above junction of Squaw and Big Sandy 
creeks, and 6 miles southeast of Big Sandy. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available. —May 17, 1911, to June 30, 1912. 

105707—23— wsp 469-19 












































































280 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Gage. —Vertical staff attached to pine tree on left bank. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1911-1912: Maximum stage recorded, 1.7 feet June 
6, 1912 (discharge, 173 second-feet); minimum discharge occurs during winter. 
Diversions. —No diversions above station. 

Accuracy. —Gage read about twice weekly. Rating curve well defined up to 50 
second-feet. Records good up to 50 second-feet, above which they are approxi¬ 
mate. 

Monthly discharge of Squatv Creek near Big Sandy, Wyo., for 1911-1912. 


May 17-31. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


April. 

May.. 

June. 


Month. 


1911. 


1911-12. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-olf in 
acre-feet. 

j I 

Maximum. Minimum. Mean. 

51 30 43.3 

101 44 63.7 

51 14 28.9 

14 8 10.7 

10 8 9.0 

1,290 
3,790 
1,780 
658 
536 

' " ] ’ 

.... 

8,050 

14 11 12.3 

219 

10 7 .8 9.0 

536 

85 1 10 34.7 

2,130 

173 60 111 

1 ! 

6,600 


LITTLE SANDY CREEK NEAR EDEN, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 34, T. 25 N., R. 106 W., at highway bridge a quarter of a mile 
above mouth and 6| miles south of Eden. 

Drainage area. —823 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —April 25, 1911, to September 11, 1912. 

Gage. —Vertical staff attached to highway bridge; read by W. E. Robertson. 
Extremes of discharge. —Data too meager. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1912, adjudicated diversions of 63 second-feet from 
Little Sandy Creek. 

Accuracy. —Gage read once daily. Rating curve fairly well defined. Records fair. 


Monthly discharge of Little Sandy Creek near Eden, Wyo ., for 1911- 1912. 



Month 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 


Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

Anril 25-30.... 

1911. 

21 

16 

17.3 

206 

May. 

60 

23 

36.9 

2,270 

June. 

213 

34 

126 

7'. 500 
3' 630 

July. 

101 

20 

59.1 

August. 

20 

0 

6.0 

369 

Sent,ember_ 

4 

0 

.7 

42 





The period.... 





14 000 

October_ 

1911-12. 

13 

4 

9.7 

52.7 

129 

84.1 

33.2 

13.2 

596 

3,240 

7,680 

5,170 

2,040 

288 

May. 

70 

35 

June. 

222 

94 

July. 

160 

60 

August. 

60 

17 

September 1-11. 

15 

13 

























































GREEN RIVER BASIN. 


281 





BLACKS FORK BASIN. 


BLACKS FORK NEAR URIE, WYO. 

Location.— In sec. 23, T. 16 N., R. 115 W., at highway bridge 4 miles northwest of 
Une, Umta County. No tributary within 10 miles. 

Drainage area.— 261 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming* scale 
1:500,000). 

Records available.— August 21, 1913, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage.— Vertical staff on downstream side of center pier. August, 1915, datum lowered 
0.50 foot to avoid negative readings. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1913-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 4.72 feet 7 p. m. 
June 19 and 9 a. m. June 20, 1917 (discharge, 2,680 second-feet); minimum dis¬ 
charge recorded, 1 second-foot September 17-22, 1916 (gage height, 0.3 foot). 

Diversions. Prioi to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 636 second-feet from 
Blacks Fork above station and 4 second-feet below. 

Accuracy.— Gage read twice daily. Rating curve well defined. Records good. 


Monthly discharge of Blacks Fork near Ur-ie, Wyo ., for 1913-1921. 


Month. 


1913. 

August 21-31.. 

September. 


October.... 
November. 
March 15-31 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1913-14. 


October... 
November. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


1914-15. 


1915-16. 

October. 

November 1-20 . 

March 12-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1916-17. 

October. 

November 1-4. 

April 8-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

84 

7 

17.5 

382 

107 

8 

23.9 

1,420 

89 

17 

45.0 

2,770 

67 

18 

41.2 

2,450 

298 

96 

182 

6,140 

255 

138 

194 

11,500 

1,670 

184 

786 

48,300 

1,280 

227 

588 

35,000 

193 

20 

78.3 

4; 810 

63 

15 

26.8 

1,650 

29 

16 

17.6 

1,050 

54 

24 

39.9 

2,450 

54 

30 

39.9 

2,370 

500 

47 

156 

9,280 

478 

100 

241 

14,800 

642 

245 

401 

23,900 

200 

5 

65.4 

4,020 

7.4 

2.3 

4.25 

261 

159 

2.3 

37.8 

2,250 

62 

22 

37.2 

2,290 

64 

20 

43.8 

1,740 

193 

46 

127 

5,040 

193 

46 

97.1 

5,780 

560 

62 

267 

16,400 

710 

23 

458 

27,300 

26 

8 

15.5 

953 

16 

2 

5.90 

363 

3 

1 

2.10 

125 

12 

6 

9.6 

591 

12 

11 

11.5 

91 

398 

82 

191 

8,710 

467 

70 

226 

13,900 

2,440 

221 

1,090 

64,900 

772 

16 

232 

14.300 

65 

4 

12.0 

738 

10 

3 

5.7 

339 





























































282 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of Blacks Fork near Urie , Wyo ., for 1913-1921 —Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

October 

1917-18. 

8 

3 

! 4.6 

283 

N ovember . 

20 

8 

12.2 

726 

March 17-31. 

78 

48 

66.6 

1,980 


88 

19 

41.2 

2,450 


517 

25 

300 

18,400 


1,360 

13 

653 

33,900 


70 

4 

16.7 

i;030 

August. 

8 

2 

3.4 

209 

Sentemher __ 

8 

3 

4.8 

286 

October_ 

1918-19. 

45 

10 

19.4 

1,190 

November 1-23. 

25 

7 

11.6 

529 

March 23-31. 

61 

44 

51.6 

921 


46 

14 

21.0 

1,250 

May... 

680 

27 

309 

19,000 

June. 

108 

6.0 

31.0 

1,840 

263 

July. 

8.0 

1.8 

4.28 

August. 

6.8 

2.2 

3.99 

245 

Sentemher__ 

6.0 

3.0 

4.19 

249 

October_ 

1919-20. 

13 

6 

10.0 

615 

November 1-15. 

13 

10 

10.2 

303 

March 20-31. 

101 

44 

64.3 

1,530 

April . 

206 

44 

102 

6; 070 
32,900 

May. 

1,220 

1,130 

101 

535 

June. 

52 

393 

23,400 

1,190 

1,000 


30 

15 

19.3 

August. 

32 

5 

16.3 

Sentemher_ 

20 

8 

14.2 

845 

October_ 

1920-21. 

20 

10 

16.5 

1,010 

376 

November 1-13. 

18 

13 

14.6 

March 20-31. 

45 

20 

29.4 

700 

April . 

54 

20 

38.9 

2,310 


1,270 

2,180 

480 

38 

447 

27' 500 
63,700 
7,870 

June. 

320 

1,070 

July. 

28 

'128 

August. 

42 

5 

21.1 

l' 300 

September. 

106 

13 

35.7 

2 ,120 




BLACKS FORK AT GRANGER, WYO. 

Location.— A quarter of a mile below Granger. From April 18, 1896, to April 27,1897, 
station was at Union Pacific Railroad bridge, 3 miles west of Granger, and above 
Hams Fork. 

Drainage area.— Upper station, 2,170 square miles. Lower station, 2,840 square 
miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 1:500,000). 

Records available.— April 18, 1896, to September 30, 1900. 

Gage.— Vertical staff used at upper station, and a cantilever wire gage at lower station. 

Extremes of discharge.— 1896-1900: Maximum discharge, 6,780 second-feet June 
14-15, 1899. No flow August 31 to October 1, 1898; August 15 to September 30, 
1900. 

Accuracy.— Gage probably read once daily. Rating curve fairly well defined. 
Records good except during winter, for which they are fair. 



























































GREEN RIVER BASIN 


283 


Monthly discharge of Blacks Fork at Granger , Wyo., for 1896-1900. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1S96. 

April 18-30... 

470 
4,160 
5,020 
410 
620 
620 

230 

380 

440 

190 

40 

60 

388 

1,130 
1,760 
278 

174 

131 

10,000 
69,500 
105,000 
17,100 
10,700 
7,800 


J une. 


August. 

September. 

The period. 




220,000 

5,480 
36,800 
231,000 
78,000 
19,400 
8,980 
7,800 

^ 1896-97. 

October... 

120 
1,350 
5,830 
3,370 
570 
210 
245 

70 

300 

1,400 

495 

145 

90 

65 

89.2 

618 

3,750 

1,310 

315 

146 

131 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July.;;. 

August. 

September. 

1897-98. 

October.... 



400 

200 

180 

100 

80 

500 

1,670 

1,700 

1,730 

405 

108 

0 

24,600 

11.900 
11,100 

6,150 
4,440 
30,700 
99,400 
105,000 
103,000 

24.900 
6,640 

0 

November.... 



December.. 



January. 



February.... 



March. 



April. 

2,260 
2,590 
2,520 
822 
245 

990 

1,180 

990 

145 

0 

May. 

June. 


August. 

September. 

The year. 






428,000 

1898-99. 

October. 




210 

0 

127 

80 

70 

60 

50 

400 

987 

2,260 

4,740 

1,630 

287 

62.2 

7,810 
4,760 
4,300 
3,690 
2,780 

24.600 
58,700 

139,000 
282,000 
100,000 

17.600 
3,700 

November... 

December. 



January. 


• 

February. 



March. 



April. 

2,090 
3,870 
6,780 
3, 710 
510 
145 

520 

640 

2,950 

455 

110 

15 


June. . 

July. . 

August. 

September. 

The year. 




649,000 

1899-1900. 

October. 




145 

15 

90 

100 

80 

70 

70 

450 

576 

1,650 

910 

44.1 

10.6 

1.0 

5,530 
5,950 
4,920 
4,300 
3,890 
27,700 
34,300 
101,000 
54,100 
2,710 
652 
60 

November.. 

December.. . 



January.. . . 



February.... . 



March. . 



August. 

SenlemLpr . 

860 

2,650 
2,270 
110 
27 

372 

770 

135 

19 

0 ! 

Th p wpa r . 






245,000 



i 



Note. —Winter records estimated. 

HAMS FORK AT DIAMONDVILLE, WYO. 

Location.— In SW. \ sec. 24, T. 21 N., R. 116 W., at highway bridge in Diamondville, 
Lincoln County. No important tributary within many miles. 

Drainage area.— 383 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 

1: 500,000). 

Records available.— May 1, 1918, to September 30, 1921. 




































































































284 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Gage. —Staff attached to downstream side of bridge. During 1918, gage located at 
Kemmerer 2 miles upstream; records at two points comparable. 

Extremes of discharge. — 1918-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 4.4 feet at 8 a.m. 
May 23, 1920 (discharge, 2,980 second-feet); minimum stage, river dry August 
29-31, 1919. 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 50 second-feet from 
Hams Fork above station and 112 second-feet below. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curve well defined prior to September 1. 
Records good for 1918, excellent for 1919 and 1920, fair for 1921, and fair during 
winter. 

Monthly discharge of Hams Fork at Diamondville , Wyo., for 1918-1921. 


Month. 


May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1918. 


The period. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1918-19. 


The year. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 
March...'... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1919-20. 


The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. ! Minimum. Mean. 


1,500 

895 

245 

68 

42 


October... 
November. 
December. 
January.... 
February.. 
March. 


1920-21. 


April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


The year. 


45 

43 


248 

560 

560 

405 

25 

18 

23 


560 


47 

43 


57 

405 

2,640 

1,380 

241 

53 

49 


2,640 


60 

56 


228 

643 

2,170 

1,830 

306 

83 

48 


2,170 


670 

215 

70 

24 

26 


32 


22 

55 

294 

27 

5 

0 

1 


0 


26 

33 


35 

480 

280 

45 

26 

26 


965 

644 

145 

43.0 

30.5 


39.4 
32 
30 
25 
25 
43 

276 

385 

123 

10.3 

10.5 

13.3 


84.3 


39 


78 

444 

330 

68 

35 

31 


34.2 

37.6 
30 
25 
25 
40 

147 

1,420 

698 

86.6 

38.3 
33.9 


220 


48. 

43 

30 

30 

25 

75 

307 

1,480 

1,060 

145 

50. 

37. 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


9 

6 


279 


59.300 

38.300 
8,920 
2,640 
1,810 


110,000 


2,420 
1,900 
1,840 
1,540 
1,390 
2,640 
16,400 
23,700 
7,320 
633 
646 
791 


61,200 


2.100 
2,240 
1.840 
fi540 
1,440 
2.460 
8,750 
87,300 
41,500 
5,320 
2; 360 
2,020 


159,000 


2,990 
2,560 
1,840 
1,840 
1,390 
4,610 
18,300 
91,000 
63,100 
8,920 
3,130 
2,240 


202,000 


Note.— Winter records estimated. 






















































































GREEN RIYER BASIN. 


285 


HENRYS FORK. 


HENRYS FORK NEAR LINWOOD, UTAH. 

Location.-— In sec. 30,T. 3N.,R. 21 E., Salt Lake meridian, at Finch’s ranch 3 miles 
from Linvood, Uinta County, and 48 miles south of Green River, Wyo. 

Drainage area.— 644 square miles (measured on map published in Water-Supply 
Paper 395). * 

Records available. April 19 to September 30,1916, when station was discontinued. 

Gage. Vertical staff on left bank 200 yards below observer’s house: read by Miss 
Nora Finch. 

Extremes of discharge— Maximum stage recorded during year, 4.1 feet at 5 p. m. 
May 10 (discharge, 313 second-feet); minimum stage, 2.6 feet for periods in July 
and September (discharge, about 2 second-feet). 

Diversions. Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 104 second-feet 
from Henrys Fork. 

Accuracy.— Stage-discharge relation not permanent. Rating curve well defined 
between 30 and 250 second-feet. Shifting-control method used April 19 to May 
21. Gage read to tenths twice daily. Daily discharge determined by applying 
mean daily gage height to rating table. Records good. 


Monthly discharge of Henrys Fork near Linwood , Utah, for 1916. 


Month. 


April 19-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

103 

33 

52.2 

1,240 

282 

58 

128 

7,870 

220 

43 

130 

7,740 

138 

2 

21.6 

1,330 

97 

8 

29.9 

1,840 

21 

4 

9.1 

541 




20,600 






IRRIGATION. 

PRESENT DEVELOPMENT. 

With the exception of the Lyman project and that of the Cotton¬ 
wood Development Co. now under construction, irrigation in the 
Green River basin is in the earliest stage—the stage in which the 
lands irrigated are chiefly narrow strips of bottom lands along the 
tributaries of the main stream. The ditches are small and were con¬ 
structed for individual ranches at slight expense, obtaining water by 
direct diversion with little or no provision for storage. The following 
table compiled by the State engineer’s office shows the area covered 
by completed ditches in 1921: 




























286 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Area covered by completed ditches in Green River drainage basin , in acres. 


Stream. 

Adjudi¬ 
cated (in¬ 
cluding 
territorial 
rights). 

Completed 
but not 
adjudi¬ 
cated. 

1 Total. 

L 

Green River. 

33,749 

4,668 

38,417 
18,401 

Horse Creek and tributaries. 

17,401 

1,000 

Cottonwood Creek and tributaries. 

22,469 

12,803 
28,433 

35,272 
86,539 

New Fork River and tributaries. 

58,106 

North Piney Creek and tributaries. 

16,975 

5,146 

22;121 

Middle Piney Creek and tributaries. 

9,054 

147 

9; 201 
13,813 

South Piney Creek and tributaries. 

13', 061 

752 

Labarge Creek and tributaries. 

12,056 

701 

12;757 

Fontenelle Creek and tributaries. 

8,206 

1,623 

9; 829 

Big Sandy Creek and tributaries. 

11,388 

21,874 

33,262 

105,514 

Blacks Fork. 

45,611 

59,903 

Hams Fork. 

15,526 

4 , 303 

19,829 
30,856 

Smith Fork. 

18,738 

12,118 
2,647 

Minor tributaries of Blacks Fork. 

12', 196 

14, 843 

Henrys Fork and tributaries. 

15,754 

839 

16,' 593 

Little Snake River and tributaries. 

17,664 

2,533 

20,197 

Minor tributaries of Green River. 

25; 964 

2,624 

28; 588 






353,918 

1 

162,114 | 

516,032 


A joint report made by the United States Reclamation Service and 
the State of Wyoming in 1916 shows that of the area covered by 
completed ditches about 380,000 acres was actually irrigated. Of 
this area 92 per cent consists of bottom lands, almost untilled and 
unprepared for the proper distribution of water. The principal crop 
is native hay. The remainder of the irrigated area (30,000 acres) 
can be classed as tilled land. Native hav will probably continue to 
be the chief crop, as stock raising is the principal industry of the 
region. 

GREEN RIVER. 

The project under construction by the Cottonwood Development 
Co. consists of three units comprising 27,300 acres. The main supply 
canal, which has a capacity of 300 second-feet, diverts water from 
Green River in sec. 9, T. 33 N., R. 110W., and runs south to the upper 
end of the first unit in the east half of T. 32 N., R. Ill W. From 
this point the canal runs southward along the west side of this unit 
to Cottonwood Creek, which is crossed by an inverted siphon. It 
continues southward along the west side of the second unit, which 
lies between Cottonwood and Piney creeks in Tps. 30 and 31 N., R. 
Ill W. The supply canal ends at a tributary of Muddy Creek and 
is 130 miles long. The third unit in the project lies between North 
Piney Creek and Meadow Canyon Creek, northwest of Big Piney. 
Secondary sources of supply are to be obtained from Cottonwood 
and North Piney creeks. 

BLACKS FORK. 

The lands under the Lyman project have an area of 62,600 acres 
lying on both sides of Blacks Fork, between Muddy and Cottonwood 
creeks, and represent the highest type of irrigation in the Green 
River basin. They are irrigated by seven separate canals. 






































GREEN RIVER BASIN. 


287 


A./ea under canals in Lyman 'project, in acres. 


Name of canal. 

Source of 
supply. 

Point of diversion. 

Irrigable. 

Irrigated. 

Blacks Fork canal. 

Blacks Fork 

Sec. 14, T. 14 N. R 116 W 

20,000 
11,000 
3,500 
3,100 
3,300 
1,700 
a 20,000 


Pine Grove canal. 


Sec. 28, T 14 N R 116 W 

lb,000 
6,000 

Bridger Butte canal. 


Sec. 19, T. 15 N R 115 W 

Fort Bridger canal. 

Twin Buttes canal. 

• ••••do 

Sec. 17, T. 15 N., R. 115 W.... 

500 
2,100 


Sec. 4, T. 15 N R 115 W 

Deeben-Heinze canal. 


Sec. 28, T. 16 N R 115 W 

2, OUU 

1,500 

500 

Utah-Wyoming canal. 


Near TItah-WVnminf'linf> 







62,600 

31,100 


« Covered by possible enlargement. 


In addition to the canals listed above, the Uinta No. 3 canal was 
constructed in 1916 to irrigate land lying between Blacks Fork and 
Muddy Creek in Tps. 17 and 18 N. The gross area under this canal 
is 50,000 acres, of which not more than 20,000 acres can be classed as 
irrigable. The canal diverts water from Blacks Fork 1 mile above 
Fort Bridger and conveys it to a reservoir that has a capacity of 
about 4,000 acre-feet and is located on the project. At present 500 
acres is irrigated. The principal crops are alfalfa, timothy, red top, 
and native hay, oats, wheat, and potatoes. The duty of water is 
about 2 \ acre-feet. 

BIG SANDY CREEK. 

The State obtained under the Carey Act an original segregation of 
95,658 acres in Sweetwater and Fremont counties about 40 miles 
north of Rock Springs, near Eden, to be irrigated from Big Sandy 
Creek and its tributaries. Eden canal No. 1, having an intake in 
sec. 17, T. 27N., R. 106 W., has been constructed, together with laterals; 
also reservoir No. 1, which has a capacity of 25,000 acre-feet and is 
12 miles below the intake. The State has acquired patent to 19,015 
acres. Certificates of location covering 10,000 acres have been issued, 
leaving 9,015 acres open to entry. An extension of the system by 
the construction of additional canals and reservoirs depends upon the 
settlement of the completed unit. 

BOULDER CREEK. 

The Boulder project, which was constructed under the Carey Act, 
covers an area of 6,100 acres north of Boulder on the east side of 
Boulder Creek. The intake canal takes water from Boulder Creek, 
4J miles above Boulder. The project is completed, and patent to 
the land has been obtained by the State, which has issued certificates 
of location for 4,520 acres, leaving 1,580 acres open to entry. 

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT. 

The limit of the present type of irrigation has nearly been reached, 
as most of the bottom lands susceptible of cheap irrigation by indivi¬ 
dual effort are now under ditch. Future irrigation projects must 





































288 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


embrace the bench lands and therefore must be treated in large units 
to keep the cost down. A joint investigation of the Green River basin 
in Wyoming was made by the United States Reclamation Service 
and the State in 1915. This work consisted of reconnaissance 
surveys to determine roughly the area susceptible of irrigation. 
Later more detailed surveys showed the following possible projects: 


Proposed irrigation projects in Green River basin. a 


Project. 

i 

Irrigable 

Source of supply. j area 

! (acres). 

Big Seedskadee. 

Green River. 

65,000 
28,000 
6,000 
c 75,000 

Little Seedskadee. 

.do. 

Big Piney-Labarge. 

.do. 

Green RiVer canal b . 

_do. 

Total Green River. 


174,000 
d 30,000 

Opal. 

Hams Fork. 

Total in basin. 


204,000 




a The investigation included also the Bonneville project, comprising lands lying between Green River 
and Big Sandy Creek north of the Green River canal project and having a gross area of 610,000 acres. This 
project involves diverting waters of Green River into New Fork River and the New Fork into Boulder 
Lake, and the magnitude of the canals required make the chance of construction so remote that it is not 
included in the above list. The Church Buttes project was also proposed to irrigate land lying south of 
Blacks Fork, by means of water diverted from Henrvs Fork into Cottonwood Creek. Records of flow of 
Henrys Fork obtained since the investigation show that the water supply would be insufficient. 

b Not surveyed by U. S. Reclamation Service, as land was segregated under Carey Act at time of survey. 
Has since been relinquished by State. 
c Estimated gross area; irrigable area not determined. 
d Irrigable area will depend entirely on water supply. 

GREEN RIVER. 

The Little Seedskaclee project would divert water at Anderson’s 
Island, in T. 25 N., R. 11 W., and would cover an irrigable area of 
28,000 acres lying southwest of Green River. A low diversion dam 
would be required in Green River, and the canal line for the greater 
part of its length would follow easy country in earth excavation. 
The Big Seedskadee project would divert water at Labarge, about 10 
miles farther upstream, and would add an irrigable area estimated at 
65,000 acres. The construction of the main canal for this project 
would be very heavy work, and the additional land is rolling and 
broken, with scattered patches of good land. 

The water supply for the Big Piney-Labarge project can be taken 
from Green River near Big Piney. A canal 33 miles long would cover 
6,000 acres of irrigable land, held largely in public ownership and 
lying in a narrow strip along the west side of Green River. The canal 
would involve practically no expensive work. 

The land proposed to be irrigated under the Green River canal is 
between Green River and Big Sandy Creek, just north of their junc¬ 
tion. The point of diversion from Green River is near Fonteneile. A 
gross area of 75,257 acres was segregated under the Carey Act, but as 
no construction work was done, the lands were later relinquished. 
No detailed survey has been made to determine the irrigable area- 

























GREEN RIVER BASIN. 


289 


The area proposed to be irrigated from Green River is 174,000 
acres. As the irrigation season is short, extending chiefly from May 
until August, probably the consumptive duty of water would be 1.2 
acre-feet to an acre. This would require a net diversion of 209,000 
acre-feet. The requirements of the unadjudicated ditches that have 
not been using the total amount of water to which they are entitled 
must be considered. It is safe to assume that of the 66,000 acres 
under completed ditch a considerable part is already irrigated. By 
the more economical use of water fully half the completed area can be 
taken care of, leaving 33,000 acres under completed ditches requiring 
an additional water supply. There are also water rights for 90,000 
acres under uncompleted ditches on some of which construction work 
has not been started and probably never will be. It is assumed that 
half the area under uncompleted ditches may be irrigated at some 
future time with rights prior to the proposed projects. It will there¬ 
fore be necessary to assume prior rights for 78,000 acres not yet irri¬ 
gated. With a consumptive duty of 1.2 acre-feet, this area will 
require 94,000 acre-feet annually. 


Monthly irrigation requirements for uncompleted ditches and new projects, in acre-feet. 


Area. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

New projects. 

Uncompleted ditches. 

20,900 

9,400 

73,100 
32,800 

62,800 
28,200 

37,600 

17,000 

14,600 
6,600 


30,300 

106,000 

91,000 

54,600 

21,200 


Water-supply records for Green River at Green River are available 
for 1895-1899, 1901-1906, 1915-1921, making a total of 18 years. 
The median year for the period was 1906, which had a total run-off 
of 1,490,000 acre-feet. 

Percentage of yearly discharge of Green River at Green River, 1895-1921, to that of 

median year. 


Year. 


Total dis¬ 
charge 
(second- 
feet). 


| Percent¬ 
age of 
I discharge 
l to median 
year. 


1895. 1,300,000 

1890.; 1,420,000 

1897.I 1,050,000 

1S9S.* 1,580,000 

1899.| 2,500,000 

1901. 1,300,000 


87 

95 

111 

100 

168 

87 


|] Year. 

Total dis¬ 
charge 
(second- 
feet). 

Percent¬ 
age of 
discharge 
to median 
year. 

1902. 

1,040,000 

70 

1903. 

1,310,000 

88 

1904. 

1,870,000 

126 

| 1905. 

1,010,000 

68 

1906. 

1,490,000 

100 

1915. 

834,000 

56 


Year. 

Total dis¬ 
charge 
(second- 
feet). 

Percent¬ 
age of 
discharge 
to median 
year. 

1916. 

1,7.50,000 

118 

1917. 

2,080,000 

140 

1918. 

1,750,000 

118 

1919. 

685,000 

45 

1920. 

1,480,000 

99 

1921. 

1,770 000 

119 



































































90 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of Green River at Green River , irrigation requirements , and surplus,. 

in acre-feet. 



May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

Monthly discharge, median year. 

291,000 
30,300 

364,000 
106,000 

279,000 
91,000 

133,000 
54,600 

72,000 

21,200 

Irrigation requirements_. 

Surplus. 

261,000 

258,000 

188,000 

78,000 

50,800 



HAMS FORK. 

The land under the Opal project lies north of Blacks Fork, between 
Hams Fork and Green River. Water would be supplied from Hams 
Fork by a low diversion dam near Opal The gross area of 125,000 
acres contains a great deal of rough and broken land, but also a con¬ 
siderable area of irrigable land, the extent of which can be determined 
only by careful surveys. About half the irrigable land is held in 
public ownership. Water-supply records at Green River for 18 years 
show that discharge for 1920 was 99 per cent of that for the period. 
The records of Hams Fork at Diamondville for 1920 show that the 
annual run-off would be in excess of 130,000 acre-feet available for 
the Opal project. A storage reservoir in the stream valley near 
Frontier was surveyed in detail. It was found that a dam 115 feet 
high would give a capacity of 130,000 acre-feet. 

EFFECT ON DISCHARGE OF GREEN RIVER. 

If the ditches are completed as outlined, and if the new projects 
are constructed, the flow of Green River at the State line will be 
reduced by 383,000 acre-feet; this allows 80,000 acre-feet for the 
Hams Fork project. The discharge of Green River at the State line 
for the median year is 1,940,000 acre-feet, as determined by adding 
to 1,490,000 acre-feet, the median flow at Green River, 450,000 acre- 
feet to represent the flow of Blacks Fork, which enters between the 
Green River gaging station and the State line. The reduction of 
383,000 acre-feet is 20 per cent of the total flow at the State line. 

% WATER POWER. 

GREEN RIVER. 

No water power is developed in the Green River basin. The United 
States Geological Survey has prepared a reconnaissance profile of 
Green River from the mouth of Beaver Creek to the foot of Andersons 
Island, a distance of 85 miles, and has made a topographic survey of 
the headwater region beginning at a point 8 miles below Green River 
lakes. With these data as a basis, augmented by elevations at other 
points obtained from undoubtedly reliable sources, the following table 
of elevations has been compiled: 





















GREEN RIVER BASIN. 


291 


Elevations and distances along Green River from source to Henrys Fork. 


Point on river. 

Distance (miles). 

Eleva¬ 
tion 
above 
sea level 
(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

From 

source. 

Point 
to point. 

Total. 

Per mile. 

Small Lake at head of Trail Creek. 

0 


10,900 



Junction Trail and Wells creeks. 

5 

5 

8,370 

2,530 

506 

Outlet oflower Green River Lake. 

17 

12 

7 ,960 

410 

34 

Wells. 

32 

15 

7,790 

170 

11 

Kendall. 

52 

20 

7, 630 

160 

8 

Mouth of Beaver Creek. 

70 

18 

7,380 

250 

14 

Mouth of Horse Creek. 

S4 

14 

7 ,165 

215 

15 

Sec. 10, T. 33 N., R. 110 W. 

89 

5 

7,110 

55 

11 

Mouth of Cottonwood Creek. 

103 

14 

6,915 

195 

14 

Mouth of New Fork. 

114 

11 

6,790 

125 

11 

Head of Tartars Island, sec. 21, T. 29 N., R. 110 W... 

124 

10 

6,705 

85 

8 

Foot of Long Island, sec. 35, T. 28 N., R. 112 W. 

133 

9 

6,640 

65 

7 

Mouth of Labarge Creek. 

145 

14 

6,555 

85 

6 

Foot of Andersons Island. 

155 

10 

6; 480 

75 

8 

Sec. 13, T. 24 N., R. 112 W. 

166 

11 

6,410 

70 

6 

Mouth of Big Sandy Creek. 

198 

32 

6; 240 

170 

5 

Green River City. 

230 

32 

6,075 

165 

5 

Mouth of Blacks' Fork. 

260 

30 

5,940 

135 

4 

Mouth of Henrys Fork. 

290 

30 

5; 850 

90 

3 


Above Green River Lakes the river has a heavy fall, but the small 
drainage area and severe winter climate make this section unsuited 
to the development of power. Below the lakes the river has so 
slight a fall that here also it is not suited to the development of 
power, nor is the valley sufficiently narrow to afford a favorable dam 
site for creating power at reservoirs, except in a stretch of river in 
sec. 4, T. 35 N., R. Ill W., and sec. 34, T. 36 N., R. Ill W., where 
it might be possible to build a comparatively short dam 100 feet 
high. With storage a uniform flow of 300 second-feet could be 
obtained, which would develop 2,400 horsepower. 

The only possibility of developing water power on a large scale 
is in connection with the Flaming Gorge reservoir site, just across 
the State line in Utah. At 4 miles south of the Wyoming line 
Green River flows into Flaming Gorge, 1 mile below which is the 
upper end of Horseshoe Canyon. The dam site for the F laming 
Gorge reservoir is near the lower end of Horseshoe Canyon, 3 miles 
by river below Flaming Gorge, 4 miles below the mouth of Henrys 
Fork, and 8 miles below the Wyoming line. LaRue 20 made the fol¬ 
lowing report on the possibility of developing power at the reservoir 

site. 

The Flaming Gorge power site is at the dam site for the blaming Gorge reser\oir, 
in northeastern Utah. The elevation of the low-water level of Green River at the 
dam site in Horseshoe Canyon is 5,825 feet. By constructing a dam to elevation 
6,050 for storing to elevation 6,040 feet, the reservoir capacity would be 3,130,000 
acre-feet. The storage capacity between the 6,000 and 6,040 foot contours would be 
1,210,000 acre-feet, or sufficient to equalize the flow of the river at this point and in¬ 
sure a minimum flow of 2,700 second-feet. By constructing a 3-mile tunnel at eleva¬ 
tion 6 000 feet an effective head of about 290 feet could be obtained. ith a head of 
290 feet and a flow of 2,700 second-feet, 71, 000 brake horsepower could be develope d. 

« LaRue, E. C., Colorado River and its utiUzation: U. S. Geol. Survey Water-Supply Paper 395, p. 175, 

1916 . 




















































292 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

PINE CREEK. 

Between Fremont Lake and Pinedale, a distance of 3 miles, Pine 
Creek has a fall of 290 feet. A study of the run-off records of Pine 
Creek at the outlet of the lake shows that a maximum storage of 
100,000 acre-feet would be required to equalize the flow throughout 
the year, giving a uniform run-off of 200 second-feet. A dam 20 feet 
high would afford the necessary storage, making available by means 
of a pipe line 3 miles long 4,560 horsepower continuously at 70 per 
cent efficiency. 

OTHER TRIBUTARIES. 

Power sites undoubtedly exist on the tributaries draining the other 
headwater lakes in the eastern part of the Green River basin, but the 
fall on these streams is not known, and it is impossible to estimate 
the undeveloped power. The western tributaries are so fulty utilized 
for irrigation that the flow can not be equalized by storage. The 
normal winter flow is too small to make the streams of value for 
power. 

STORAGE. 

DEVELOPED SITES. 

Three reservoirs have been built in the Green River basin, as 
shown by the following table: 


Developed reservoirs in Green River basin. 


Name. 

Project. 

Source of 
supply. 

Location. 

Height 
of dam. 

Maxi¬ 

mum 

area. 

Capacity. 





Feet. 

Acres. 

A ere-feet. 

Sixty-seven... 

Sixty-seven. 

North Piney 

Creek. 

Secs. 7, 8, 17, T. 30 N., R. 
112 W. 

30 

333 

4,330 

Eden No. 1... 

Eden Land & Irri¬ 
gation Co. 

Big Sandy.. 

Secs. 7, 8, 16-18, T. 25 N., 
R. 105 W. 

125 

1,360 

25,000 

Uinta No. 3... 

Uinta. 

Blacks Fork. 

Secs. 27-29,32-34, T. 17 N., 
R. 114 W. 

40 

1,200 

a 18,000 


a Present capacity, 4,000 acre-feet. 


UNDEVELOPED SITES. 

LAKES IN WIND RIVER MOUNTAINS. 

The numerous lakes on the west slope of the Wind River Moun¬ 
tains afford opportunity for storage at a comparatively low cost. 
To determine the capacity of reservoirs with dams of moderate 
height, the State engineer made a reconnaissance survey of the 
larger lakes in 1915. The Wyoming Range, on the west side of the 
basin, affords no reservoir sites of any considerable capacity, owing 
to the absence of lakes, except North Piney and Middle Piney lakes, 
which drain areas of 5 square miles each. Even were sites available 
they would be of little use in augmenting the flow of Green River for 























GREEN RIVER BASIN. 


293 


proposed new irrigation projects, as the flow of these streams is largely 
appropriated and the greater part of the run-off is needed to supply 
existing rights. This is not true of the streams draining the Wind 
River Range, as in that area irrigation is not nearly so far advanced, 
and the existing rights can be supplied in addition to providing 
storage for new projects. 

To determine the run-off above the reservoir sites, records of flow 
are available as follows: Fremont Lake, 11 years; Boulder Lake, 
9 years; Green River near Kendall, 2 years. As the drainage areas 
are similar, the run-off can be computed for the areas for which no 
records are available by means of unit run-off. The following table 
gives the results of the reconnaissance surveys and the estimated 
mean annual run-off available for storage. 

Capacity of lake reservoir sites in Wind River Mountains. 


Lake. 

Approxi¬ 
mate 
height 
of dam. 

Capacity. 

D rainage 
area 
above 
outlet. 

Esti¬ 

mated 

mean 

annual 

run-off. 

Green River a . 

Boulder. 

Fremont. 

Half Moon. 

Burnt. 

New Fork. 

Willow... 

Feet. 

130 

100 

19 

70 

35 

35 

10 

A ere-feet. 
160,000 
130,000 
100,000 
95,000 
30,000 
46,000 
19,000 

Sq. miles. 
115 
94 
114 
73 
39 
36 
33 

A ere-feet. 
160,000 
148,000 
148,000 
106,000 
62,000 
50,000 
40,000 


580,000 


714,000 




a Area and height of dam determined from topographic map. 


WESTERN TRIBUTARIES. 

A number of reservoir sites exist on the tributaries entering Green 
River from the west, as shown by the records in the State engineer’s 
office. 

Reservoir sites on western trib utaries of Green River. 


Name. 

Source of supply. 

Location. 

Tribu¬ 

tary 

drain¬ 

age 

area. 

Height 
of dam. 

Crest 

length. 

Area. 

Capac¬ 

ity. 

North Piney.... 

Taylor. 

Middle Piney 
Lake. 

Labarge. 

North Piney Creek 

Middle Piney 
Creek. 

Labarge Creek.... 

Secs. 20,29,30,T.31N.,R. 
115 W. 

Secs. 23. 24, T. 31 N., R. 
115 W. 

Sec,. 17. 18, T. 30 N., R. 

115 W. 

Secs. 7, 8,17, T. 29 N.,R. 

116 W. 

So. 

miles. 

4.8 

27 

5.5 

.8 

Feet. 

68 

60 

Feet. 

250 

330 

Acres. 

90 

240 

244 

177 

Acre-ft. 

1,980 

5,180 

11,000 

4,030 




















































294 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

North Piney Lake lies in the Wyoming Range at an elevation of 

8.600 feet. From meager records available the mean annual run-off 
is estimated to be 5,000 acre-feet. 

The Taylor site was surveyed in connection with the Cottonwood- 
North Piney project, but the dam was not built. The mean annual 
run-off at the intake on North Piney Creek is estimated to be 27,000 
acre-feet. 

Middle Piney Lake lies in the Wyoming Range at an elevation of 

9.600 feet. The mean annual run-off at the lake is estimated to be 
4,500 acre-feet. 

The Labarge site is on the headwaters of Labarge Creek, in the 
Wyoming Range. The mean annual run-off based on four years’ 
records is estimated to be 8,000 acre-feet. 

LITTLE SNAKE RIVER BASIN. 

GENERAL FEATURES. 

Little Snake River, an important tributary of Yampa River, 
which in turn is a tributary of Green River from Colorado, drains an 
area lying partly in Wyoming and partly in Colorado. This area is 
bounded on the north by the region known as the Red Desert, on the 
east by the Sierra Madre and the southern extension in Colorado 
known as the Park Range, on the south by the Yampa River basin, 
and on the west by the Green River basin. 

Little Snake River rises on the western slope of the Park Range 
near the crest of the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 9,900 feet, 
in T. 11 N., R. 84 W. Its general course is west and then southwest 
to Yampa River, which it joins near Lily, Colo., in T. 6 N., R. 98 W. 
The principal tributaries in Wyoming are Battle, Savery, and Muddy 
creeks. The first two of these creeks drain areas in the Sierra Madre, 
but Muddy Creek drains a high rolling plateau. 

MEASURED DRAINAGE AREAS. 


Measured drainage areas in Little Snake River basin, in square miles. 


Stream. 

Drainage area above— 

Area. 

Little Snake River. 

Savery Creek. 

Gaging station in sec. 6, T. 12 N., R. 90 W. 

Savery. 

1,060 

354 

904 

Muddy Creek. 

Gaging station near Baggs. 

















LITTLE SNAKE RIVER BASIN 


295 


j .•* 


GAGING-STATION RECORDS. 

LITTLE SNAKE RIVER NEAR DIXON, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 6, T. 12 N., R. 90 W., at highway bridge 1 mile west of Dixon, 
in Carbon County. No important tributary within several miles. 

Drainage area. —1,060 square miles. 

Records available. —May 27, 1910, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Chain gage on bridge. 

Extremes of discharge. —1910-1921: Maximum mean daily gage height, on May 
24, 1914 (discharge, 6,740 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 0.2 foot on 
August 6, 1911 (discharge, 5 second-feet). 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 101 second-feet from 
Little Snake River above station and 112 seconu-ieei below. 

Cooperation. —Complete records furnished by State engineer of Colorado. 

Monthly discharge of Little Snake River near Dixon , Wyo., for 1910-1921. 


Month. 


June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


October... 
November 
December. 
March.... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


1910. 


1910-11. 


October... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August.... 

September 


1911-12. 


1912-13. 

October. 

November. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1913-14. 

October. 

November. 

March 22-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

105707—23—wsp 469-20 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1,900 

77 

663 

39,500 

149 

11 

34.3 

2,110 

47 

9 

16.3 

1,000 

69 

17 

38.4 

2,280 

149 

35 

78.9 

4,850 

95 

54 

77.3 

4,600 



77.1 

4,740 

488 

140 

219 

13,400 

2,110 

320 

830 

49,400 

3,000 

1,230 

2,150 

132,000 

2,690 

400 

1,520 

90,400 

360 

15 

117 

7,200 

22 

5 

12 

758 

75 

10 

23 

1,350 

760 

65 

198 

12,200 

991 

193 

526 

31,300 

6,140 

778 

3,240 

199,000 

5,480 

1,210 

2,910 

173,000 

1,120 

122 

401 

24,600 

272 

20 

76 

4,680 

122 

20 

77 

4,560 

420 

82 

158 

9,700 

223 

100 

152 

9,220 

2,320 

363 

1,350 

80,300 

2,600 

1,370 

1,890 

116,000 

1,580 

163 

611 

36,400 

135 

11 

51 

3,140 

20 

8 

12.3 

756 

49 

11 

36.6 

2,180 

135 

34 

. 88 

5,410 

135 

82 

103 

6,130 

505 

163 

304 

6,020 

3,430 

390 

1,570 

93,400 

6,740 

2,060 

4,160 

256,000 

5,660 

580 

2,400 

143,000 

580 

57 

209 

12,900 

122 

20 

43 

2,640 

82 

20 

42 

2,500 





























































296 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 
Monthly discharge of Little Snake River near Dixon, Wyo., for 1910-1921 —Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

1914-15. 

October. 

330 

65 

145 

8,930 

November. 

122 

100 

106 

6,320 


2,570 

1,040 

1,580 

97,200 


2,970 

370 

1,690 

101,000 


310 

8 

95.8 

5,890 

August. 

15 

9 

10.2 

627 

September. 

120 

8 

41.6 

2,480 

1915-16. 

October. 

105 

60 

78.3 

4,810 

November. 

120 

70 

95.6 

5,690 

March 13-31. 

1,070 

425 

601 

22,600 

April. 

3,700 

365 

1,320 

78,600 


4,370 

1, 520 

2,480 

152,000 


2,660 

598 

1,660 

98,800 

July. 

530 

30 

189 

11,600 

August. 

665 

70 

198 

12,200 

September. 

220 

70 

96.7 

5,750 

1916-17. 

October. 

735 

90 

282 

17,300 

April. 

2,660 

507 

1,200 

71,400 

5,260 

760 

3,000 

184,000 


4,990 

3,100 

4,040 

240,000 


2,850 

332 

1,160 

71,300 

August. 

432 

30 

126 

7,750 

September.. 

100 

38 

67.4 

4,010 

1917-18. 

October. 

140 

70 

95.6 

5,880 

November. 

188 

100 

136 

8,090 

March 17-31. 

638 

255 

437 

13,000 

April. 

1,320 

345 

653 

38,900 


3,950 

1,110 

2,790 

172,000 

June. 

3,370 

358 

2,100 

125,000 

July. 

358 

18 

173 

10,600 

August. 

21 

5.7 

9.4 

578 

September. 

125 

9.1 

34.8 

2,070 

1918-19. 

October. 

381 

60 

105 

6,460 

November 1-24. 

170 

96 

134 

6,380 

March 23-31. 

1,960 

702 

1,340 

23,900 

April. 

3,960 

411 

1,700 

101,000 


3,420 

2,310 

2,910 

179,000 

June. 

2,510 

133 

1,020 

60,700 

July. 

161 

5 

31.9 

1,960 

August. 

43 

5 

10.9 

670 

September. 

170 

6 

17.5 

1,040 

1919-20. 

October. 

337 

66 

134 

8,240 

November 1-15. 

147 

124 

135 

4,02C 

April. 

1,180 

155 

512 

30,500 


8,960 

860 

5,700 

3.50,000 

June. 

6,840 

1,060 

3,630 

216,000 

July. 

1,230 

100 

330 

20,300 

August. 

112 

56 

75.5 

4,640 

September. 

190 

66 

94.7 

2,840 

1920-21. 

October. 

280, 

100 

173 

10,600 

April.I. 

1,090 

251 

576 

34! 300 


6,680 

1,290 

4,560 

280,000 

June. 

6,280 

1,010 

j 3,530 

210,000 

July. 

908 

54 

275 

16,900 

August. 

203 

22 

76.3 

4,690 

September. 

87 

24 

47.5 

2,830 


SAVERY CREEK AT SAVERY, WYO. 

Location.— About in sec. 8, T. 12 N., R. 89 W., half a mile east of Savery, in Carbon 
County. No tributary between station and mouth, 1| miles below. 

Drainage area.— 354 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale. 
1:500,000). 





















































































LITTLE SNAKE RIVER BASIN. 297 


Records available.— May 1, 1915, to September 30, 1916; April 5, 1918, to Sep¬ 
tember 30, 1921. 

Gage.— Vertical staff. 

Extremes of discharge. 1915—1916, 1918—1921: Maximum mean daily stage re¬ 
corded, 5.7 feet May 19, 21, 22, 1921 (discharge, 1,770 second-feet). No flow- 
July 6 to September 3, 1915; August 5-6, 9 to September 14, 1918. 

Diversions. Prior to July 1, 1921, adjudicated diversions of 64 second-feet from 
Savery Creek and 13 second-feet from tributaries entering above. 

Cooperation. Complete records furnished by State engineer of Colorado. 


Monthly discharge of Savery Creek at Savery, Wyo.Jor 1915-1916,1918-1921. 


Month. 


1915. 

May.. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 

The period. 


October. 

November.... 
December 1-13 
March 19-31... 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September 


1915-16. 


April 5-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 

The period 


1918. 


October. 

November 1-21 

March 27-31_ 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September_ 


1918-19. 


1919-20. 

October. 

November. 

April 9-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1920-21 

October. 

March 24-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Ruu-otl in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

395 

164 

223 

13,700 

448 

46 

181 

10, 800 

52 

0 

7.0 

430 

0 

0 

.0 

0 

52 

6 

16.4 

976 




25,900 




39 

6 

17.0 

1,050 

46 * 

15 

31.8 

1,890. 

65 

46 

59.5 

1,530 

264 

110 

205 

5,310 

896 

110 

377 

22,400 

793 

160 

398 

24,500 

264 

48 

136 

8,090 

25 

3 

13.3 

818 

25 

9 

17.8 

1,090 

25 

9 

15.0 

893 

321 

56 

178 

7,300 

509 

202 

319 

19,600 

275 

18 

164 

9,760 

131 

. 6 

339 

2,080 

.6 

0 

.08 

4.9 

63 

0 

12.0 

714 




39,500 

63 

18 

30.8 

1,890 

79 

24 

50.0 

2,080 

870 

790 

834 

8,280 

870 

111 

507 

.30,200 

630 

190 

362 

22,300 

254 

2 

94.4 

5,620 

3 

0 

1.50 

92 

0 

0 

0 

0 

6 

0 

.02 

12 

140 

18 

52.3 

3,220 

50 

18 

33.8 

2,010 

650 

72 

213 

9,290 

1.770 

434 

1,180 

72,600 

908 

50 

353 

21,000 

60 

4 

11.0 

676 

13 

2 

5.0 

307 

40 

3 

12.6 

750 

50 

24 

34.5 

2,120 

220 

188 

194 

3,080 

622 

188 

355 

21,100 

1,590 

292 

1,240 

76,200 

1,300 

116 

542 

32,300 

92 

18 

524 

3,220 

274 

18 

79.1 

4,860 

40 

18 

23.8 

1,420 





















































































298 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


MUDDY CREEK NEAR BAGGS, WYO. 

Location.— About in sec. 33, T. 13 N., R. 91 W., at highway bridge R miles north¬ 
east of Baggs, in Carbon County. No tributary between station and mouth, 1 
mile below. 

Drainage area.—904 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —May 1, 1915, to August 10, 1916; April 5 to August 31, 1918. 

Gage. —Chain gage on upstream side of single-span bridge. 

Extremes of discharge. —1915-1916, 1918: Maximum mean daily gage height 
recorded, 10.0 feet June 23, 1918 (discharge, 445 second-feet). No flow July 20 
to August 1, 7-9, 17-31, September 12-13, 16-30, November 20-30, 1915; August 
14-17, 27 to September 23, 1918. 

Diversions. —Frior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated, diversions of 3 second-feet 
from Muddy Creek, above station. 

Cooperation. —Complete records furnished by State engineer of Colorado. 


Monthly discharge of Muddy Creek near Baggs, Wyo.,for 1915-1916, 1918. 


Month. 

Discha 

Maximum. 

rge in second-feet. 

1 

Minimum. Mean. 

Rim-off in 
acre-feet. 

1915. 






40 

14 

23.8 

1,460 


147 

.8 

38.2 

2,280 

July. 

42 

0 

1.0 

65 

August. 

3.8 

0 

•7 

44 

September. 

5 

0 

- - 

1.3 

78 

The nerind . 




3,930 





1915-16. 





October. 

179 

40 

90.9 

5,590 

November. 

90 

0 

13.8 

821 

March 11-31. 

399 

92 

250 

10,400 

April. 

87 

44 

67.7 

4,030 


354 

44 

130 

7,990 


66 

.2 

11.3 

672 

July. 

1.0 

.0 

.72 

443 

1918. 





April 6-30. 

134 

12 

35.4 

1,760 


39 

12 

23.2 

1,430 


445 

6 

51.1 

3,040 

July. 

240 

8 

.56.4 

3,470 

August. 

158 

0 

23.0 

1,410 

September. 

392 

0 

46.2 

3,750 

The period. 



13,900 





BEAR RIVER BASIN. 

GENERAL FEATURES. 

Bear River, which is the only stream of Wyoming that flows 
into the Great Basin, drains an area in the extreme southwest corner 
of the State. This area is bounded on the south by the east-west 
Uinta Range, and on the west by the north-south Wasatch Range. 
On the north and east the boundary is the high rolling plateau that 
separates Bear River from the tributaries of Blacks Fork. 

Bear River rises in Utah 15 miles south of the State line, on the 
northern slope of the Uinta Range, which reaches an altitude of 

















































BEAR RIVER BASIN. 


299 


12,000 feet. It flows in general northwestward, cutting across the 
southwest corner of Wyoming and again entering Utah 18 miles 
north of Evanston. It flows back into Wyoming and finally into 
Utah near Border, hut this report deals only with the area above 
the point where it leaves Wyoming for the first time. Through 
Wyoming, Bear River pursues a winding course through bottom lands 
which aie generally about 1 mile wide but which reach a width of 3 
miles near the southern boundary of the State. The bottoms are 
very narrow where the river passes through a narrow gorge just above 
Evanston and again at the Narrow, 18 miles below The principal 
tributaries, which are relatively small, are Mill, Sulphur, and Yellow 
creeks. 

The drainage basin is a generally rolling plateau into which the 
tributary streams, most of them flood-water channels, have cut deep. 
Elevations within the basin range from 12,000 feet on the summit 
of the southern boundary to 6,000 feet at the lower end. For the 
most part the elevation is about 7,000 feet. 

So far as can be determined from the meager rainfall records, the 
mean annual precipitation in the Bear River basin in Wyoming ranges 
from 12 inches in the northern portion to 14 inches in the southern. 
On the headwaters in the Uinta Mountains the rainfall is considerably 
greater. 

MEASURED DRAINAGE AREAS. 


Measured drainage areas in Bear River basin, in square miles. 


Stream. 

Drainage area above— 

Area. 

Bear River. 

Gaging station in sec. 1, T. 15 N., R. 121 W. 

645 

Do. 

Utah fine, sec. 27, T. 18 N., R. 120 W. 

814 

Sulphur Creek. 

Mouth.... 

83 

Yellow Creek. 

.do. 

186 





GAGING-STATION RECORDS. 

BEAR RIVER REAR EVARSTOR, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 1, T. 15 N., R. 121 W., 300 feet above highway bridge and 31 miles 
northwest of Evanston, Uinta County. Nearest tributary, a small stream enter¬ 
ing from southwest half a mile above. 

Drainage area. —645 square miles (measured on base map of Wyoming; scale, 
1:500,000). 

Records available. —October 26, 1913, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Chain on left bank 300 feet above bridge. 

Extremes of discharge. —1913-1921: Maximum stage recorded, 6.35 feet at 6.30 
p. m. June 14, 1921 (discharge, 3,690 second-feet); minimum stage, 0.49 foot at 
8.15 a. m. August 26, 1919 (discharge, 0.1 second-foot). 

Diversions. —Prior to July 1,1921, adjudicated diversions of 381 second-feet from Bear 
River above station and 390 second-feet below. 

Accuracy. —Gage read twice daily. Rating curves well defined. Records excellent 
except during 1921, for which they are good. 



























300 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Monthly discharge of Bear River near Evanston , I Yyo., for 1913-1921. 


Month 


1913- 14. 

October 26-31. 

November. 

December 1-21. 

March 26-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

1914- 15. 

October. 

N ovember 1-16. 

March 25-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

1915- 16. 

October. 

November. 

March 20-31. 

April. 

.May . 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

1916- 17. 

October. 

November 1-18. 

April 15-30. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

1917- 18. 

October. 

November. 

March 18-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August... 

September. 

1918- 19. 

October. 

November 1-23. 

March 27-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

1919- 20. 

October.. 

November. 

March 21-31. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.. 

1920- 21. 

October. 

November. 

March 14-31. 

April. 

May. 

June.. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

117 

75 

89.3 

1,060 

135 

68 

96.4 

5,740 

108 

63 

75.6 

3,150 

311 

152 

219 

2,610 

1,100 

231 

611 

36,400 

2 ,390 

435 

1,480 

91,000 

2; 220 

415 

1,210 

72,000 

475 

187 

326 

20,000 

562 

30 

131 

8,060 

40 

27 

32.9 

1,960 

216 

43 

121 

7,440 

112 

36 

75.1 

2,380 

510 

223 

335 

4,650 

1,010 

252 

487 

29,000 

795 

268 

472 

29,000 

1,240 

430 

877 

52,200 

470 

30 

167 

10,300 

40 

18 

28.1 

1,730 

217 

25 

68.8 

4,090 

115 

53 

74.6 

4,590 

72 

51 

61.2 

3,640 

1,230 

262 

756 

18,000 

1,170 

345 

653 

38,900 

1,600 

502 

872 

53,600 

1,600 

277 

1,040 

62,900 

'277 

15 

101 

6,210 

102 

18 

46.1 

2,830 

44 

8 

21.0 

1,250 

121 

25 

88.8 

5,460 

70 

46 

56. 5 

2,020 

1,890 

524 

1,150 

36j500 

i;740 

401 

911 

56,000 

2,500 

800 

1,790 

107,000 

1,560 

252 

701 

43,100 

'352 

49 

141 

8,670 

134 

58 

81.1 

4,830 

89 

54 

65.2 

4,010 

79 

54 

65.8 

3,920 

810 

208 

417 

11,600 

382 

130 

215 

12,800 

810 

251 

570 

35,000 

1,940 

208 

1,180 

70,200 

660 

46 

149 

9,160 

44 

3 

20.8 

1,280 

40 

2 

10.4 

619 

86 

23 

61.0 

2$, 750 

77 

64 

70.0 

3,210 

382 

348 

365 

3,620 

440 

128 

262 

15,600 

1,380 

365 

781 

48,000 

995 

61 

395 

23,500 

56 

.8 

5.84 

359 

6.6 

.1 

2.42 

149 

23 

2.8 

12.4 

738 

102 

41 

78.6 

4,830 

113 

81 

98.0 

5,830 

72 

51 

61.6 

1,340 

1,260 

67 

411 

24,500 

2,520 

1,140 

1,700 

105,000 

2,170 

660 

1,190 

70,800 

502 

59 

163 

10,000 

70 

43 

56.3 

3,460 

60 

35 

46.5 

2,770 

128 

48 

84.7 

5,210 

139 

84 

123 

7,320 

930 

216 

384 

13,700 

620 

258 

387 

23,000 

2,230 

372 

1,170 

71,900 

3,390 

930 

1,940 

115,000 

820 

202 

398 

24,500 

244 

88 

147 

9,040 

190 

70 

111 

6,600 







































































































BEAR RIVER BASIN. 


301 


IRRIGATION. 

The waters of Bear River and its tributaries are used extensively 
for irrigation, and most of the bottom lands are being irrigated. 
Further extension of irrigation to bench lands can come only through 
storage, as the normal flow during the later part of the irrigation 
season is fully appropriated. 

For the eight-year period, 1914-1921, the mean annual run-off at 
gaging station near Evanston was 210,000 acre-feet. 

WATER POWER. 

No water power is developed in that part of the Bear River basin 
considered in this report. No profile surveys have been made nor 
are topographic maps available from which the elevation of the river 
at different points can be determined. 

A filing in the State engineer’s office shows a proposed develop¬ 
ment of 250 feet, comprising 22,300 feet of ditch and 3,300 feet of 
pipe line leading to a power-house site in sec. 13, T. 12 N., R. 120 
W. Records of run-off are not available for determining the power 
possibility of this site. 

STORAGE. 

No reservoirs of any considerable size have been built in the 
portion of the Bear River drainage basin considered in this report. 
Filings in the State engineer’s office show two reservoir sites in the 
basin. 

Undeveloped reservoir sites in Bear River basin. 


Name. 

Source of 
supply. 

Location. 

Tribu¬ 

tary 

drainage 

area. 

Height 
of dam. 

Crest 

length. 

Area. 

Capacity. 

Narrows... 

Bear River.. 

Sec. 32, T. 18 N., R. 120 W.; 

Sq. miles. 
814 

Feet. 

112 

Feet. 

876 

Acres. 

3,630 

A cr e-feet. 
233,000 

Neponset.. 

.do. 

secs. 5, 8, 17, 20, 29, 32, T. 
117 N., R. 120 W.; and sec. 1, 
T. 116 N., R. 120 W. 

Secs. 34, 35, T. 8 N., R. 7 E., 

645 

25 

2,300 


8,700 


and secs. 3, 4, T. 7 N., R. 7 
E., in Utah. 






At the Narrows site a dam 112 feet above the bed of the river 
would back water upstream 7 miles, creating a reservoir of 233,000 
acre-feet capacity. The mean annual run-off based on eight years’ 
records is 225,000 acre-feet at the dam site. 

Although the Neponset site is in Utah, it is proposed to divert 
water for it from Bear River in sec. 25, T. 16 N., R. 121 W., in 
Wyoming. The mean annual run-off based on eight years’ records 
is 210,000 acre-feet. 






















302 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

SNAKE RIVER BASIN. 

GENERAL FEATURES. 

The portion of the Snake River basin that lies in Wyoming occu¬ 
pies a comparatively small area in the northwestern part of the 
State, including the southern part of Yellowstone National Park. 
The northern boundary is the Continental Divide, which is here a 
high plateau, called Ocean Plateau, with comparatively low relief. 
On the eastern and southern boundaries the divide becomes much 
more rugged, and the high plateau gives way to the Wind River, 
Gros Ventre, and Wyoming ranges, which exhibit some of the boldest 
relief in the State. On the west the Wyoming part of the drainage 
basin is bounded by the Teton Range, the relief of which is even 
bolder than that of the eastern ranges. 

Except for the extreme upper end of the basin, which is a high 
plateau, and the area embraced in Jackson Hole, which is 30 miles 
long and has a width decreasing from 12 miles at the uppei^nnd to 
2 miles at the lower, the drainage basin is extremely rugged, com¬ 
prising chiefly the slopes of the mountain ranges that form the 
boundaries. The elevations range from 6,000 to 11,000 feet. 

The mean annual precipitation increases from 20 inches in Jackson 
Hole to 25 inches in Yellowstone Park and to 40 inches or more in 
the mountains on the east and west boundaries. 

Snake River rises in Ocean Plateau, its principal source being 
Shoshone Lake, and flows southward through Lewis Lake into Jack- 
son Lake, at the upper end of Jackson Hole. From the lower end 
of Jackson Lake it flows east for several miles, then turns sharply 
and flows soutliwestward for 70 miles, entering Idaho near the mouth 
of Star Valley. Below Lewis Lake as far as the southern boundary 
of the park Snake River flows through a canyon, but from the park 
to Jackson Lake the side walls recede and the valley widens. Below 
Jackson Lake for a distance of 30 miles Snake River flows through 
Jackson Hole. Here the banks are low and the bordering: areas sen- 
erally flat for a distance of several miles on either side. From the 
lower end of Jackson Hole to the State line the river flows through a 
canyon. The principal tributaries from the east are Heart River, 
Pacific and Buffalo creeks, and Gros Ventre, Hoback, Grays, and 
Salt rivers. The chief western tributaries are Cottonwood and Fish 
creeks. 


SNAKE RIVER BASIN 


303 


MEASURED DRAINAGE AREAS. 

Measured drainage areas in Snake River basin, in square miles. 


Stream. 


Snake River. 

Do.. 

Do.. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 


Drainage area above— 


Outlet of Jackson Lake. 

Mouth of Buffalo Fork. 

SB. i sec. 22, T. 44 N., R. 115 W. 
NE. I sec. 35, T. 43 N., R. 116 W. 
Mouth of Gros Ventre River. 
NW. \ sec. 7, T. 41 N., R. 116 W. 

Mouth of Hoback River. 

Mouth of Salt River. 


B uffalo Fork. 

Mouth of North Buffalo Fork . 

Do. 

Mouth of Box Creek. . 

Do. 

Mouth of Blackrock Creek. 

Do. 

Mouth. 

North Buffalo Fork. 

.do. 

Box Creek. 

.do. 

Blackrock Creek. 

.do__ 

Gros Ventre River. 

Mout 

h. of Clear Creek. 

Do. 

SW. 

sec. 3, T. 40 N., R. Ill W . 

Do. 

Mout 

l of Fish Creek/. 

Do. 

Mout 

h. of Burnt Cabin Creek. 

Do. 

Mout 

h of Crystal Creek. 

Do. 

Monti 

h of Horsetail Creek_ 

Do. 

T elly (sec. 1, T. 42 N., R. 115 W.). 

Do. 

Mouth... 

Clear Creek. 

.do. 

Fish Creek. 

.do. 

Crystal Creek. 

.do. 

Hoback River. 

.do. 


Area. 


820 
1,020 
1,520 
1,680 
1,740 
2,500 
2,900 
4,080 
131 
239 
270 
378 
95 
17 
54 
37 
76 
105 
525 
592 
697 
725 
758 
22 
336 
73 
572 


GAGING-STATION RECORDS. 

SNAKE RIVER AT SOUTH BOUNDARY OF YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK. 

Location. —A quarter of a mile below junction of Lewis and Snake rivers, half a mile 
north of Snake River soldier station and south boundary of Yellowstone National 
Park, and 25 miles north of Moran. 

Drainage area. —490 square miles (measured on topographic maps). 

Records available. —June 19, 1913, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Chain gage on right bank. 

Extremes of discharge. —1913-1921: Maximum mean daily stage recorded, 6.5 
feet on May 28, 1921 (discharge, 5,580 second-feet); minimum stage recorded, 1.4 
feet October 26-31, 1915 (discharge, 160 second-feet). 

Diversions. —None above station. 

Accuracy. —Records fair. 








































































304 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Monthly discharge of Snake River at south boundary of Yellowstone National Park for 

1913-1921. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

Juno 19-30_ 

1913. 

3,230 
2,750 

2,450 

2,820 

67,100 

July. 

887 

1,680 

103,000 

August... 

1,480 

641 

923 

56,800 

Sentember___;.. 

821 

510 

612 

36,400 






The period. 





263,000 







October_ 

1913-14. 

561 

510 

521 

32,000 
30,700 

November. 

587 

462 

516 

December. 

486 

394 

428 

26,300 

January. 

587 

394 

446 

27,400 

February. 

587 

486 

530 j 

29,400 

March.. I. 

535 

330 

379 

23,300 

April. 

854 

351 

536 

31,900 

May. 

5,330 

821 

3,080 
3,690 

189,000 
220,000 

June. 

Si 690 

2,310 

Julv_ 

2,050 

587 

1,100 

67' 600 






The period... 





678,000 







October. 

1914-15. 


439 

859 

52,800 
22,400 

November._ _ _ 

* 

439 

310 

376 

December. 

587 

310 

424 

26,100 

January. 

486 

351 

436 

26,800 

February. 

439 

310 

356 

19' 800 

March.. I. 

462 

271 

347 

21', 300 
92,800 
116,000 
122,000 
38 200 

April. 

2,310 

535 

1,560 

May. 

2; 450 

1,380 

1,000 

l' 880 

June. 

3'070 

2,050 

July. 

l' 030 

'486 

'621 

August. 

' 4S6 

271 

342 

21 000 

Sentember_____ 

486 

271 

362 

21 500 




The year. 


3,070 

439 

271 

802 

263 

238 

380 
420 
389 
430 
464 

2,830 

869 

449 

416 

435 

3,120 

773 

470 

368 

307 

408 

419 

381 

Q 74 

581,000 

16,200 
14,200 

23.400 

25.800 

22.400 

26.400 
26,700 

168,000 

44.800 

20,500 
94 sen 

October. 

1915-16. 

160 

November. 

271 

178 

December. 

535 

233 

310 

351 

351 

416 

January. 

535 

February. 

439 

March..*. 

486 

April 1-29. 

561 

July 2-31. 

4,790 

1,280 

486 

486 

486 

1,280 

486 

394 

351 

394 

1,330 

510 

416 

318 
279 
381 
„ 381 

360 
360 
360 
625 
771 
415 
356 

Aueust 1-26__ 

October 9-31. 

1916-17. 

November 1-18. 

December. 

1 5 500 


1Q‘2 000 

August. 

1,240 

561 

462 
360 
545 
496 
412 
403 
652 
1,350 
1,230 
764 
465 

47 ^OO 

Sentember.... 

28,000 

99 000 

October. 

1917-18. 

November. 

18,300 
9 * inn 

December. 

January. 

25,800 
91 onn 

February. 

March. 

99 nnn 

April. 

417 

Q19 

24,800 

32,600 

19,700 

Q9 nnn 

May 1-18. 

July 21-31. 

on** 

August. 

^90 

September 1-14. 

385 

0 - 6 , uuu 

10,700 












































































SNAKE RIVER BASIN. 


305 


Monthly discharge of Snake River at south boundary of Yello wstone National Park for 

1913-1921 —Continued. 


Month. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


J Run-off in 


October 12-31.. 

November_ 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May 1-26. 

June 4-30. 

August 10-31.. 
September 1-5. 


1918-19. 


October 20-31.. 

November_ 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September 1-4. 


1919-20. 


December.. 

January.. 

February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September 1-24. 


1920-21. 


The period. 


Maximum. 



acre-feet. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 


556 

448 

501 

19,900 

506 ! 

211 

336 

224 

20,000 
i 4 } ftnn 



91Q 


248 

211 

239 i 

13,300 

377 

248 

293 

18,000 

1,130 

368 

508 

30,200 

3,980 

847 

2,120 

109,000 

1,890 

416 

990 

53,000 

302 

185 

219 

9, 500 

385 

241 

297 

2,950 

222 

185 

205 

2,440 

339 

203 

257 

15,300 

339 

260 

285 

17,500 

260 

185 

235 

14,400 

260 

185 

224 

12,900 

260 

203 

232 

14,300 

260 

241 

249 

14,800 

3,690 

250 

1,450 

89,200 

5,100 

2,270 

3,710 

221,000 

2,560 

576 

1,340 

82,400 

742 

385 

464 

28,500 

385 

3.53 

377 

2,990 

412 

326 

349 

21,500 

368 

347 

362 

22,300 

368 

287 

325 

18,000 

326 

287 

305 

18,800 

458 

306 

383 

22,800 

5,580 

744 

2,960 

182,000 

5,310 

1,250 

3,240 

193,000 

1,250 

466 

720 

44,300 

490 

340 

390 

24,000 

448 

324 

373 

17,800 




564,000 






SNAKE RIVER AT MORAN, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 17, T. 45 N., R. 114 W., 1£ miles below Moran post office, Lincoln 
County, and United States Reclamation Service dam at outlet of Jackson Lake. 
No important tributaries between dam and station. 

Drainage area.— 820 square miles. 

Records available. —October 1, 1903, to September 30, 1921. 

Gage. —Friez water-stage recorder installed in 1916, referred to inclined staff gage 
used previously; datum lowered 1.0 foot July 26, 1915; read by employees of 
United States Reclamation Service. 

Extremes of discharge:— 1907-1912: Maximum mean daily discharge, 14,700 
second-feet on June 13, 1918. Discharge from dam shut off entirely September 
28 to October 4, 1910. 

Regulation.— Flow of Snake River has been controlled by Jackson Lake dam since 

1907. 

Accuracy. —Stage-discharge relation fairly constant; gage-height records reliable. 
Records good, except during winter when ice effect may make them only fair. 



































































306 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Monthly discharge of Snake River at Moran , Wyo.,for 1903-1921. 


Month. 


1903-4. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1904-5. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1905-6. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1906-7. 

October 1-12. 

February 16-28. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June.&. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1907-8. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-otf in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

720 
640 
640 
500 
500 
720 
970 
7,930 
7,930 
5,650 
2,590 
1, 250 

640 

570 

500 

440 

440 

500 

570 

970 

5,650 

2,590 

1,150 

720 

674 
596 
561 
446 
481 
667 
714 
3, 560 
7,190 
3, 870 
1, 700 
1 , 060 

41, 400 
35, 500 
34, 500 
27, 400 
27,700 
41,000 

42, 500 
219,000 
428, 000 
238,000 
104, 000 

63, 000 

7,930 

440 

1,790 

1 , 300, 000 

720 

440 

574 

35,300 

500 

390 

428 

25, 500 

390 

390 

390 

24,000 

590 

374 

397 

24, 400 

590 

530 

547 

30, 400 

560 

502 

522 

32,100 

824 

560 

630 

37, 500 

2,880 

824 

1,270 

78,300 

4,990 

3,210 

4,180 

248, 000 

3, 420 

1,410 

2,350 

145, 000 

1,370 

824 

1,010 

62, 400 

788 

530 

619 

36,800 

4,990 

374 

1,080 

780, 000 

530 

422 

475 

29, 200 

422 

374 

377 

22, 400 

374 

374 

374 

23,000 

530 

374 

449 

27, 600 

530 

474 

511 

28,400 

560 

530 

532 

32,700 

823 

530 

572 

34,000 

4,720 

859 

2,450 

151, 000 

5,930 

3,640 

4, 480 

267, 000 

3, 720 

1, 720 

2,820 

173, 000 

1 , 680 

895 

1,120 

68 , 800 

859 

590 

708 

42,100 

5,930 

374 

1,240 

899,000 

560 

474 

526 

12, 500 

788 

686 

738 

19,000 

932 

590 

734 

45,100 

1,160 

859 

1,010 

60,100 

4,620 

1,080 

2,650 

163, 000 

7,380 

4, 780 

6 , 480 

3S6, 000 

7, 2C0 

3, 420 

5,560 

342, 000 

3, 420 

1, 540 

2,250 

138, 000 

1, 540 

0 

610 

36,300 

1, 730 

0 

874 

53,700 

970 

686 

793 

47, 200 

686 

622 

637 

39, 200 

719 

622 

669 

41,100 

622 

560 

602 

34, 600 

686 

590 

627 

38,600 

1,410 

622 

878 

52, 200 

2,880 

1,460 

2,380 

146, 000 

6,300 

2, 700 

4,500 

268, 000 

4,540 

1,080 

2,370 

146,000 

4,860 

1,460 

3,100 

191, 000 

1, 460 

859 

1,110 

66,000 

6,300 

0 

1, 540 

1 ,120, 000 































































































SNAKE RIVER BASIN 


307 


Monthly discharge of Snake River at Moran , Wyo., for 1906-1921— Continued. 


Month. 


October. 

November.... 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


1908-9. 


October. 

November_ 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September.... 

The year 


1909-10. 


1910-11. 

October. 

November. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April..•. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1911-12. 

October. 

N ovember. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


1912-13. 

October. 

N overnber. 

December. 

January. 

February. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 





Run-off in 




acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 


824 

686 

753 

46,300 

686 

622 

651 

38,700 

622 

590 

610 

37, 500 

896 

590 

750 

46,100 

788 

754 

781 

43, 400 

754 

622 

679 

41,800 

622 

590 

605 

36, 000 

3,490 

622 

1,340 

82, 400 

10 , 600 

3,780 

8,160 

486, 000 

10,300 

1,150 

3, 500 

215, COO 

7, 840 

1,910 

4,970 

306, 000 

1,910 

0 

1,380 

82,100 

10 , 600 

0 

2,010 

1, 460, 000 

1 , 810 

0 

1,080 

66,400 

1,440 

850 

1,020 

60, 700 

1,310 

885 

1,100 

67, 600 

920 

855 

908 

55, 800 

850 

780 

801 

44, 500 

920 

815 

845 

52,000 

4,370 

850 

1,590 

94,600 

5,590 

2,290 

4,030 

248, 000 

5, 840 

1,270 

2,900 

173, 000 

12,100 

1,950 

4,890 

301, 000 

1,860 

712 

1,130 

69, 500 

698 


146 

8,690 

5,890 

0 

1, 700 

1, 240, 000 



60 

3,690 

425 


94.8 

5,640 

810 


352 

21,600 

1,070 

400 

678 

41,700 

1,430 

670 

986 

54,800 

2,220 

670 

940 

57,800 

1,530 

735 

907 

51,000 

4,370 

805 

2,700 

166,000 

9,610 

950 

6,960 

414,000 

9,350 

1,030 

3,490 

215,000 

9,700 

1,010 

4,700 

289,000 

2,160 

56 

1,030 

61,300 

9,610 


1,910 

1,380,000 

58 

44 

54.6 

3,360 

44 

44 

44.0 

2,620 

3,900 

44 

1,140 

70,100 

2,030 

875 

1,360 

83,600 

810 

610 

685 

39,400 

610 

09 

334 • 

20,500 

109 

72 

84. 3 

5,050 

192 

109 

141 

8,670 

9,350 

192 

4,380 

261,000 

6,230 

990 

3,230 

199,000 

3,680 

950 

3,860 

237,000 

6,910 

1,800 

4,140 

246,000 

9,350 

44 

1,620 

1,180,000 

1,800 

1,200 

1,600 

98,400 

i; 200 

770 

953 

56,700 

'770 

640 

682 

41,900 

770 

670 

716 

44,000 

735 

104 

643 

35,700 

138 

104 

113 

6,950 

391 

143 

253 

15,100 

582 

259 

348 

21.400 

10,100 

582 

7,300 

434,000 

7, 250 

1,910 

4,280 

263.000 

5,570 

1,280 

3,790 

233,000 

5,400 

1,380 

3,790 

226,000 

10,100 

i 

104 

2,(110 

1,480,000 




























































































































308 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Monthly discharge of Snake River at Moran, Wyo.,for 1903-1921 —Continued. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


Month. 


1913-14. 


The vear. 


October.... 
November. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1914-15. 


The vear. 


October.... 
N ovember. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


191.5-16. 


The year. 


October.... 
N ovember. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August..... 

September. 


1916-17. 


The vear. 


October.... 
N ovember. 
December.. 
January.... 
February.. 

March. 

April. 

May. 

June. 

July. 

August. 

September. 


1917-18. 


The year. 


Discharge in second-feet. 


Maximum. 


1,280 
875 
735 
610 
217 
267 
391 
2,950 
9,520 
7,9,50 
6,060 
3,680 


9 520 


840 

840 

1,110 

555 

28 

34 

114 

149 

9,520 

8,300 

6,230 

912 


9,520 


610 

35 


Minimum. 


805 
1,800 
2,680 
7,780 
6 ,230 
9,350 
6,050 


9,350 


555 

57 

61 

62 

62 

62 

69 

111 

12,000 
10,700 
9,240 
5,460 


12,000 


45 

36 

36 


53 

58 

87 

14,700 
11,200 
11,500 
6,200 


14,700 


805 

735 

582 

109 

109 

217 

267 

255 

610 

1,680 

2,540 

40 


40 


28 

640 

555 

28 

28 

28 

34 
114 

35 
990 
950 
528 


28 


Mean. 


Run-off in 
acre-feet. 


1,000 

802 

632 

524 

162 

243 

315 

474 

5,210 

3,870 

4,070 

907 


1,530 


200 
760 
636 
473 
28.0 
28.8 
72.2 
131 
3 400 
4,200 
3,020 
687 


1,150 


35 

30 


50 

450 

322 

840 

3,830 

381 


204 
32.8 
35.0 
40.0 
44.0 
250 
188 
1,470 
1,630 
3,210 
6,920 
2,670 


30 I 1,410 


53 

53 

61 

62 

62 

62 

69 

76 

4,000 

4,890 

44 


475 
55.9 
59.8 
61.3 
62.0 
62.0 
63.5 
85.2 
3,640 
6,290 
7,090 
1,090 


44 1,600 


36 

35 

34 


42 
37 
49 
55 
2,050 
4,440 
22 


39.8 
35. 1 
34.7 

35.6 

44.6 

47.7 


22 


40. 
62. 
8,600 
4,540 
7,370 
2,660 


1,970 


61,500 

47.700 

38.900 
32,200 

9,000- 

14.900 

18.700 
29,100 

310,000 
238,000 
250,000 
54,000 


1,100,000 


12,300 
45, 200 

39.100 

29.100 
1,560 
1,770 
4,360 
8,060 

202,000 
258,000 
186,000 
40,900 


828,000 


12,500 
1,950 
2,150 
2,460 
2,530 

15.400 

11,200 

99.400 
97,000 

197,000 
425,000 
159,000 


1 , 020,000 


29,200 
3,330 
3,680 
3,770 
3, 440 
3,810 
3,780 
5,240 
217.000 
387,000 
436.000 
64,900 


1,160,000 


2,45 
2,09 
2,13 
2,19 
2,48 
2,93 
2,40 
3,84 
512,00 
279,00 
453,00 
158,00 


1,420,000 



























































































































SNAKE RIVER BASIN 


309 


Monthly discharge of Snake River at Moran, Wyo.,for 1903-1921 — Continued. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

October. 

1918-19. 

9« 

OQ 

OA Q 


N ovomber. 

26 

LO 

94 

OS 4 

lj dO(/ 

1,510 

1,480 

1 Jttrt 

December. 


94 n 

January. 



24 n 

February. 



OK 0 

1 *4QA 

March. 



9^ n 

1 CLifV 

April. 

52 

56 

11,600 

7,340 

2,140 

785 

25 

21 

24 

2, 200 
198 
128 

32.0 
33.3 
7,970 
a K<?n 

1,900 

2,050 

.17:1 AAA 




OQA fWWk 

August. 

987 

343 

ftn 7AA 


on inn 




The year... 


11,600 


1,180 

852,000 




October. 

1919-20. 

753 

13 

13 

81.7 
13.0 

13.7 
15.6 
16.0 
17. 0 

5, 210 
774 
842 
959 
920 
1,050 
1,010 
2,460 
17,600 

N ovember. 

13 

December. 

15 

13 

January. 

February. 



March...'. 



April. 



17.0 
40. 0 

May. 

69 

17 

June. 

4, ISO 

27 

295 

July. 

10,800 
8,960 
2,040 

41 

6,120 

376,000 

August. 

2,100 
13 

6^620 

407,000 
36, 700 

Sent ember__ 

'616 




The year... 


10,800 


1,170 

851,000 






October 

1920-21. 

12 

12 

12 

738 

N ovember. 

12 

12 

12 

714 

December. 

12 

12 

12 

738 

January. 

12 

12 

12 

738 

February. 

16 

12 

12.6 

700 

March. 

19 

16 

16.3 

1,000 

4.prii. 

37 

19 

28.6 

1,700 

May . . 

74 

37 

46.6 

2,870 

.bine . . . . . . 

6,200 
10,700 
10,900 
2,760 

41 

2,320 

138,000 

Julv . 

2,570 
2,760 

8,180 

503,000 

A moist.. 

5,750 

354,000 

Sentemher __ 

22 

'613 

36,500 






The veer 


10,900 

12 

1,440 

1,040,000 





PACIFIC CREEK NEAR MORAN, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 23, T. 45 N., R. 114 W., near mouth of creek 4 miles east of 
Moran, in Lincoln County. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available.— July 20, 1917, to September 30, 1918 (during periods when 
stored water was released from Jackson Lake). 

Gage. —Leitz water-stage recorder referred to vertical stalf. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 191G, no adjudicated diversions from Pacific 

Creek. 

Accuracy. —Records good. 





















































































310 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of Pacific Creek near Moran, Wyo.,for 1917-18. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-olf in 
acre-feet.. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1917. 





July 20-31. 

581 

322 

452 

10,800 

August.:. 

299 

98 

153 

9,410 

September. 

140 

68 

80.0 

4,760 

The period. 




25,000 

1918. 





June 12-30. 

3,030 

825 

2,010 

75,700 


786 

134 

377 

23,200 

August. 

14S 

73 

109 

6,700 

September. 

80 

62 

70.0 

4,170 

The period. 




110,000 







BUFFALO FORK NEAR MORAN, WYO. 

Location.' —In SE. \ sec. 26, T. 45 N., R. 114 W., at highway bridge half a mile above 
mouth of river and 6 miles east of Moran, in Lincoln County. 

Drainage area. —378 square miles (measured on topographic map). 

Records available.- —July 9, 1917, to September 30, 1918 (during periods when 
stored water was released from Jackson Lake). 

Gage. —Vertical staff; read twice daily. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, no adjudicated diversions from Buffalo 
Fork. 

Accuracy. —Records good. 


Monthly discharge oj Buffalo Fork near Moran, Wyo.,for 1917-18. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1917. 

July 9-31. 

3,250 

1,100 

355 

1,160 

355 

260 

2,150 

564 

310 

98,100 
34,700 
18,400 

August. 

September.. 

The period. 




151,000 

1918. 

June 28-30. 




3,920 
3,2S0 
826 
426 

2,980 

746 

309 

238 

3,450 

1,800 

482 

283 

20,500 
111,000 
29,600 
16,800 

July. 

August. 

September. 

The period. 




178,000 






SPREAD CREEK NEAR ELK, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 9, T. 44 N., R. 114 W., 1£ miles above mouth of creek and 
3 miles south of Elk, in Lincoln County. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available. —June 15, 1917, to September 30, 1918 (during periods when 
stored water is released from Jackson Lake). 

Gage. —Vertical staff moved 500 feet upstream in 1918; read twice daily. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 27 second-feet 
from Spread Creek, all above station. 

Accuracy.— Records fair. 





























































SNAKE RIVER BASIN. 

Monthly discharge of Spread Creel near Elk, Wyo.,for 1917 - 18 . 


311 

r 


• 

Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 


Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

July 15-31. 

1917. 

ooft 



5,500 

August. 

1 99 

lol 

71 

lOo 

September. 

KO 

11 
Ai 

yj. z 

5, 850 




01 

O/. o 

i 

4,030 

The period.... 











lOj '±UU 

June 13-30. 

1918. 

71K 

91 A 




9Qft 

olrt 

09 

0*±U 

1 AQ 

iy,ouu 

August. 

fto 

KQ 

lOo 

79 9 

1U, uuu 

September. 

53 

Aft 

i Z. Z 
*1 1 

4, 44U 





6 } U4U 

. The period_ 





9 a ftnn 







COTTONWOOD CREEK NEAR TETON, WYO. 

Location. In sec. 24, T. 43 N., R. 116 TV., 1 ^ miles above mouth of creek and 5 
miles northeast of Teton, in Lincoln County. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available. —July 16, 1917, to September 30, 1918 (during periods when 
stored water was released from Jackson Lake). 

Gage. —Vertical staff installed near mouth; moved 1^ miles upstream June 26, 1918. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated‘diversions of 2 second-feet 
from Cottonwood Creek below station. 

Accuracy. —Records fair for 1917, good for 1918. 


Monthly discharge of Cottonwood Creek near Teton, Wyo., for 1917 - 18 . 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

.Tnlv 16-31_ 

1917. 

642 

405 

601 

19,100 
13 500 

August. 

382 

138 

219 

Sp.nt.p.mher_ ______ 

133 

48 

83.2 

4' 950 




The period.... 





37 600 







Jimp. 26— 30 _ _ 

1918. 

1,180 

700 

932 

9,240 

July. 

651 

232 

473 

29,100 

August. 

332 

101 

179 

11,000 

Rp.nt.p.mbp.r__ 

95 

40 

59.3 

3,530 





Thp np.rind 





52,900 







GROS VENTRE RIVER AT KELLY, WYO. 

Location. —In sec. 1, T. 42 N., R. 115 W., 300 feet below highway bridge at Kelly, 
in Lincoln County. Nearest tributary, Turpin Creek, enters 2 miles upstream. 
Drainage area. —725 square miles (measured on topographic map). 

Records available. —June 16 to September 30, 1918. 

Gage. —Vertical staff; read once daily. 

Diversions.— Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 122 second-feet, 
of which 9 second-feet were above station. 

Accuracy. —Records good. 

105707 — 23 — wsp 469 - 21 


































































312 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of Gros Ventre River at Kelly , Wyo., for 1918. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

June 16-30. 

6,220 

1,000 

510 

334 

1,680 

510 

278 

245 

4,110 

1,070 

370 

272 

122,000 

65.800 

22.800 
16,200 

July. . 

August. 

September . 

The period. 


.1. 

227,000 



1 


GROS VENTRE RIVER AT ZENITH, WYO. 


Location. —In sec. 4, T. 41 N., R. 116 W., three-quarters of a mile above mouth of 
river at Zenith, in Lincoln County. 

Drainage area. —758 square .miles (measured on topographic map). 

Records available. —July 13, 1917, to September 30, 1918 (during periods when 
stored water was released from Jackson Lake). 

Gage. —Vertical staff moved one-third of a mile upstream in 1918. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 122 second-feet, 
all above station. 

Accuracy. —Records fair. 


Monthly discharge of Gros Venire River at Zenith , Wyo., for 1917-18. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-off in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

.Tnlv 13-31_ 

1917. 

1,770 

709 

1,180 

44,500 

August. 

648 

247 

406 

25,000 

September__ 

287 

139 

209 

12,400 




The period.... 





81,900 







Julv 11-31_ 

1918. 

897 

353 

589 

24 500 

August. 

340 

139 

213 

13 100 

Sentember__ 

222 

121 

164 

9' 760 




The neriod.... 





47 400 







FISH CREEK NEAR WILSON, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 27, T. 41 N., R. 117 W., 300 feet above mouth of creek, 4 miles 
southeast of Wilson, Lincoln County. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available. —July 20, 1917, to September 30, 1918 (during periods when 
stored water was released from Jackson Lake). 

Gage. —Stevens water-stage recorder installed in 1918 and referred to vertical staff 
used during 1917. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 5 second-feet, 
of which 4 second-feet diverted above station. 

Accuracy.— Records for 1917 range from poor to good, and for 1918 good. 
























































SNAKE RIVER BASIN. 

Monthly discharge of Fish Creek near Wilson, Wyo.,for 1917-18. 


313 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-< ff in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

x , 1917. 

July 20-31. 

423 

362 

195 

367 

174 

152 

395 

268 

167 

9,400 
16,500 
9,940 

August. 

September. 

The period. 




35,800 

r i 1918 ' 




690 

246 

156 

243 

151 

134 

429 

199 

144 

26,400 
12,200 
8,570 

August. 

September. 

The period. 




47,200 






FLAT CREEK NEAR CHENEY, WYO. 

Location. In sec. 29, T. 40 N., R. 116 W., 2 miles above mouth of creek, 1 mile 
south of Cheney, in Lincoln County. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available. —July 7, 1917, to September 30, 1918 (during periods when 
stored water was released from Jackson Lake). 

Gage. —Vertical staff; read twice daily. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 106 second-feet, 
all above station. 

Accuracy. —Records fair for 1917; good for 1918. 

Monthly discharge of Flat Creek near Cheney, Wyo.,for 1917-18. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-cff in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1917. 




- 

July 7-31. 

259 

137 

175 

8,680 

August. 

232 

201 

219 

13,506 

September. 

215 

129 

179 

10,700 

The period. 




32,900 

1918. 





June 18-30. 

420 

282 

347 

8,950 

July. 

261 

137 

168 

10,300 

August. 

174 

122 

145 

8; 920 

September. 

132 

101 

113 

6,720 

The neriod 




34,900 







HOBACK RIVER NEAR CHENEY, WYO. 

Location.— In sec. 26, T. 39 N., R. 116 W., a quarter of a mile above mouth of river, 
8 miles southeast of Cheney, in Lincoln County. 

Drainage area. —572 square miles. 

Records available. —July 9, 1917, to September 30, 1918 (during periods when 
stored water was released from Jackson Lake). 

Gage. —Vertical staff; read twice daily. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 1 second-feet 
from Hoback River, all above station. 

Accuracy. —Records range from fair to good. 










































































314 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of Iloback River near Cheney , Wyo., for 1917-18. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. ' 

Run-cff in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1917. 

July 9-31. 

3,750 
975 
513 

975 

474 

397 

2,250 

671 

440 

103,000 
41,300 
, 26,200 

August. 

September. 

The period.. 




170,000 

1918. 

June 14-30. 




6,120 

2,230 

718 

398 

2,380 

750 

398 

326 

4,590 

1,490 

524 

339 

155,000 

91,600 

32.200 

20.200 

Julv. 

August. 

September. 

The neriod ... 




299,000 





FALL CREEK NEAR CHENEY, WYO. 

Location. —About sec. 22, T. 39 N., R. 116 W., near mouth of creek 8 miles south of 
Cheney, in Lincoln County. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available. —July 19, 1917, to September 30, 1918 (during periods when 
stored water was released from Jackson Lake). 

Gage. —Vertical staff; read once daily. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 2 second-feet, 
all above station. 

Accuracy. —Records for 1917 excellent, and for 1918 good. 


Monthly discharge of Fall Creek near Cheney , Wyo., for 1917. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-cfi in 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

acre-feet. 

Julv 19-31.. 

1917. 

142 

109 

119 

3,070 
3,630 
2,410 

August. 

93 

41 

59.1 

September...... 

41 

38 

40.5 



The period.... 





9,110 






June 12-30.. 

1918. 

440 

143 

317 

11,900 

5,340 

2,810 

1,900 

July.. 

137 

52 

86. 8 

August. 

52 

42 

45.7 

32.0 

Sentember______ 

40 

28 



The neriod.... 





22 000 

* ... 

1 





WOLF CREEK NEAR ALPINE, IDAHO. 

Location.— About sec. 4, T. 37 N., R. 117 W., near mouth of creek 9 miles east of 
Alpine, Idaho, in Lincoln County, Wyo. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available.— July 16, 1917, to September 30, 1918 (during periods when 
stored water is released from Jackson Lake). 

Gage. —Leitz water-stage recorder, which was moved 400 feet downstream in 1918. 
Diversions.— Prior to December 31, 1916, no adjudicated diversions from Wolf Creek. 
Accuracy. —Records fair. 























































SNAKE RIVER BASIN. 

Monthly discharge of Wolf Creek near Alpine, Idaho, for 1917-18. 


315 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-rff in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1917. 

July 17-31. 

68 

36 

18 

39 

18 

14 

55.5 

24.9 

16.0 

1,650 

1,530 

952 

August. 

September. 

The period. 



4,130 

1918. 

July 14-31. 

-- — --- 


36 

21 

16 

21 

16 

11 

27.3 

17.6 

13.0 

975 

1,080 

774 

August. 

September. 

The period. 



2,830 


""". 

i 



GREYS RIVER NEAR ALPINE, IDAHO. 

Location. —About sec. 20, T. 37 N., Tt. 118 W., near mouth of river 8 miles southeast 
of Alpine, in Lincoln County, Wvo. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available. —July 6, 1917, to September 30, 1918 (during periods when 
stored water was released from Jackson Lake). 

Gage. —Vertical staff; read once daily. 

Diversions. —Prior to December 31, 1916, no adjudicated diversions from Greys 
River. 

Accuracy. —Records good. 

Monthly discharge of Greys River near Alpine, Idaho, for 1917-18. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-f ff in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1917. 

July 6-31. 

2,520 

910 

556 

935 

550 

420 

1,570 

698 

484 

81,000 

42,900 

28,800 

August. 

September. 

The period. 




153,000 

1918. 

June 4-30. 

1 


5,130 
1,690 
680 
466 

1,690 

680 

466 

358 

3,610 

1,100 

562 

412 

193,000 

67.600 

34.600 
24,500 


August... 

September. 

The period. . 




320,000 






SALT RIVER NEAR ALPINE, IDAHO. 

Location. —Near mouth of river 6 miles southeast of Alpine. 

Drainage area. —Not measured. 

Records available.— July 1, 1917, to September 30, 1918 (during periods when 
stored water was released from Jackson Lake). 

Gage. —Vertical staff whose datum was changed in 1918; read once daily. 
Diversions.— Prior to December 31, 1916, adjudicated diversions of 212 second-feet 
in Wyoming, all above the station. 

Accuracy. —Records for 1917, excellent; for 1918, good. 

































































316 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Monthly discharge of Salt River near Alpine, Idaho, for 1917 18. 


Month. 

Discharge in second-feet. 

Run-( fl in 
acre-feet. 

Maximum. 

Minimum. 

Mean. 

1917. 

2,010 

1,170 

918 

1,000 

925 

801 

1,370 

1,070 

863 

84,200 
65,800 
51,400 

August _ ._. 

September. 





201,000 

1918. 

June 5-30 . 

2,380 

1,320 

915 

722 

1,240 

915 

722 

609 

1,950 

1,110 

816 

664 

101,000 
68,200 
50,200 
39, 500 

July. 

August... . 

September. 

Thp ueriod 




259,000 






IRRIGATION. 

PRESENT DEVELOPMENT. 

Snake River is not used extensively for irrigation, but some of its 
tributaries, notably Salt and Gros Ventre rivers and Flat Creek, 
irrigate large areas. 

Areas covered by adjudicated and nonad indicated ditches in Snake River basin, in acres. 

[Compiled from Fourteenth Biennial Report of State engineer.] 


Stream. 

Adjudicated 

(including 

territorial 

rights). 

Completed 
but not 
adjudi¬ 
cated. 

Total. 

Snake River. 

2,632 

718 

3,350 

Buffalo Creek and tributaries. 

258 

846 

1,104 

Cottonwood Creek and tributaries. 

180 

542 

722 

Spread Creek and tributaries. 

2,302 

429 

2,731 
1,972 
10,947 
9,466 
4,590 
4,969 
235 
53,378 
3,840 

Ditch Creek and tributaries. 

575 

1,397 

1,267 

Gros Ventre River and tributaries. 

9,680 

Flat Creek and tributaries. 

8,768 

2,716 

698 

Fish Creek and tributaries. 

1, S74 

Fall River and tributaries. 

171 

4,798 

Greys River and tributaries. 

Salt River and tributaries. 

Minor tributaries. 

2 

49,030 
2,645 

'233 

4,348 

1,195 

Total. 

78,959 

18,345 

97,304 


Practically all tlie areas lie near the streams and are irrigated by 
many small ditches; there are no large projects in the basin. 

The most extensively irrigated areas are in Salt River (or Star) 
valley, and here most of the diversions are effected by short individual 
or cooperative ditches from the tributaries of Salt River. The 
longest ditch is the East Side ditch, which is 12 miles long and diverts 
water from Salt River some distance above Thayne. Practically all 
the irrigable bottom land in Star Valley is under ditch. The prin¬ 
cipal crops are hay, wheat, and.oats. 







































































SNAKE RIVER BASIN. 


317 


FUTURE DEVELOPMENT. 

Except in relatively small areas in the valleys of tributary streams, 
the chief possibilities for additional irrigation lie in Jackson Hole 
and are limited by the water supply. The waters of Snake River 
aie so extensively used for the irrigation of highly developed projects 
m Idaho that this use may prevent any considerable increase of irriga¬ 
tion in Wyoming. 

Under the Carey Act a project, known as the Teton project, has 
been formed to irrigate land on the east side of Snake River in the 
upper part of Jackson Hole. 1 he State has asked for the segregation 
of 15,330 acres to be irrigated by direct diversion from Gros Ventre 
River and Spread and Ditch creeks. In addition, it is expected to 
irrigate 20,000 acres held in private ownership, making a gross area 
of 35,000 acres on the east side of Snake River between the mountains 
forming the east side of Jackson Hole and the river in Tps. 42, 43, 
and 44. 


WATER POWER. 

DEVELOPED POWER. 

Power is developed at three points in the Snake River basin. 

At the Schwab mill, a sawmill on Salt River in T. 30 N., R. 118 W., 
near Smoot, a canal and pipe line of 15 second-feet capacity leads to a 
17-inch Leffel turbine of 29 horsepower under the available head of 
22 feet. The water supply is sufficient from May 1 to August 31. 

The Afton Electric Co. has a hydroelectric plant in sec. 29, T. 32 
N., R. 118 W., 1 mile east of Afton, on Swift Creek. A canal 1,500 
feet long connects with a 28-inch wood-stave pipe leading to the 
power house, developing a head of 30 feet. In the power house is a 
15-inch S. Morgan Smith turbine rated at 63 horsepower and con¬ 
trolled by a Woodward automatic governor. The turbine is belt- 
connected to a Warren 60-kilowatt single-phase alternating-current 
generator of 2,400 volts. The transmission line consists of No. 8 
copper wire suspended from native red-pine poles. The plant oper¬ 
ates evenings and during the day on Tuesdays and Thursdays. No 
auxiliary steam power is provided, as the water supply is adequate 
from June until freezing occurs in October. 

The Afton roller mills and Gardner Bros, sawmill, on Swift Creek 
near Afton, are operated by two Leffel turbines, one 17-incli and one 
23-inch, under a head of 40 feet, created by a ditch 3,000 feet long. 
No additional details are available. 


318 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


UNDEVELOPED POWER. 

The following table was compiled from topographic maps, except 
for the elevations of Hoback and Salt rivers, which are roughly 
approximate. 

Elevations and distances along Snake River from Jackson Lake to Salt River. 



Distance (miles). 

Eleva¬ 
tion 
above 
sea level 
(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

Point on river. 

From 

Jackson 

Lake. 

Point 
to point. 

Total. 

Per 

mile. 

Jackson Lake (crest of dam). 

0 


6,769 
6,728 
6, 705 
6,600 
6, 500 



Jackson Lake (bottom of gate sills). 

0 

0 

41 


Mouth of Buffalo Fork. 

6.6 

6.6 

23 

3 

SE. I sec. 22, T. 44 N., R. 115 W. 

14.3 

8.7 

105 

12 

NE. I sec. 18, T. 43 N., R. 115 W. 

20.6 

6.3 

100 

16 

NE. I sec. 35, T. 43 N., R. 116 W. 

24. 5 

3.9 

6; 400 
6, 300 
6,230 
6, 200 
6,150 

100 

26 

NW. I sec. 21, T. 21 N., R. 116 W. 

29.8 

5,3 

100 

19 

Mouth of Gros Ventre River. 

32.9 

3.1 

70 

23 

NW. I sec. 7, T. 41 N., R. 116 W. 

34.7 

1.8 

30 

17 

Sec. 23, T. 41 N., R. 117 W. 

39.0 

4.3 

50 

12 

Mouth of Hoback River. 

56.0 

17.0 

6'000 

150 

9 

Mouth of Salt River. 

82.0 

26.0 

5, 360 

640 

25 



As the flow from Jackson Lake is practically shut off during the 
winter, Snake River is of little value for power in Wyoming, except 
during the irrigation season. 

Tii3 following tables were compiled from topographic maps. 
Owing to a lack of run-off records during the low-water period, no 
estimates of available power have been made. 

Elevations and distances along Buffalo Fork. 


Point on river. 

Distance (miles). 

Eleva¬ 

tion 

above 

sea 

level 

(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

From 

North 

Buffalo 

Fork. 

Point 
to point. 

Total. 

Per 

mile. 

Mouth of North Buffalo Fork. 

0 

4.6 

8.0 

19.0 


7,170 
6, S80 
6, 800 
6, 705 



Mouth of Box Creek. 

Contour crossing. 

4.6 

3.4 

11.0 

290 

80 

95 

63 

23 

9 

Mouth. .1 . 


Elevations and distances along Gros Ventre River. 

• 

Point on river. 

Distance (miles.) 

Eleva¬ 
tion 
above 
sea level 
(feet). 

Descent (feet). 

From 

Clear 

Creek. 

Point 
to point. 

Total. 

Per 

mile. 

Mouth of Clear Creek. 

0 

3.5 

12.0 

17.5 

24.0 

28.8 

35.0 

40.0 

47.0 


8,160 
7, 700 
7, 430 
7, 270 
7,000 
6, 880 
6,680 
6, 500 
6,230 



SW. sec. 3, T. 40 N., R. Ill W. 

Mouth of Fish Creek. 

Mouth of Burnt Cabin Creek. 

Mouth of Crystal Creek. 

Mouth of Horsetail Creek. 

Kelly, SW. \ sec. 1, T. 42 N., R. 115 W. 

NE. I sec. 18, T. 42 N., R. 115 W. 

Mouth. 

3. 5 
8. 5 

5. 5 

6. 5 
4.8 
6.2 
5. 0 
7.0 

460 

270 

160 

270 

120 

200 

180 

270 

131 

32 

29 

42 

25 

32 

36 

39 



































































































SXAKE RIVER BASIN. 


319 


STORAGE. 

In the Snake River basin three reservoir sites of considerable 
capacity, the largest of which—Jackson Lake—is now utilized, have 
been surveyed. There may he other sites not yet surveyed in detail 
in the valleys of the tributary streams entering from the east. 


Principal features of reservoir sites in Snalce River basin. 


Name. 

Source of supply. 

Location. 

Tribu¬ 

tary 

drainage 

area. 

Height 
of dam. 

Crest 

length. 

Maxi¬ 

mum 

area. 

Capacity. 

Jackson Lake. 



Square 

miles. 

Feet. 

Feet. 

Acres. 

Acre-feet. 

Snake River.... 

North end of Jackson 
Hole. 

820 

67 

4,450 

25,530 

847,000 

Leigh Lake... 

Leigh Canyon... 

2 miles south of Jack- 
son Lake. 

21 

15 

172 

1,300 

13,000 

Jenny Lake... 

Glacier Creek 
and Leigh 
Lake. 

2 miles south of Leigh 
Lake. 

a 30 

15 

215 

1,300 

13,000 


a Exclusive of run-off from Leigh Lake. 


The United States Reclamation Service has converted Jackson 
Lake into a reservoir by the construction of an earth-fill dam, having 
a massive concrete gate section. The dam raises the lake level 35 
feet. Water is released as needed during the irrigation season and 
diverted into Idaho. The mean annual discharge of Snake River 
at the outlet of Jackson Lake from 1904 to 1918 was 1,170,000 
acre-feet. 

A dam at the outlet of Leigh Lake, raising the water surface 10 
feet, would give a storage capacity of 13,000 acre-feet, and a dam 
raising the water surface 15 feet would store about 20,000 acre-feet. 
No records of run-off are available, but as the mean annual run-off 
for the Snake River basin above Jackson Lake is 1,540 acre-feet per 
square mile, allowing for evaporation from Jackson, Shoshone, and 
Lewis lakes, probably the run-off from the west side of the leton 
Mountains will be about the same, or a total of 29,000 acre-feet for 
the entire drainage area of 21 square miles, allowing for evaporation 
from the reservoir surface. 

A dam at the outlet of Jenny Lake raising the water surface 10 
feet would give a storage capacity of 13,000 acre-feet, and one laising 
the water surface 15 feet would increase the capacity to 20,000 
acre-feet. The run-off from the drainage area is similar to that for 
Leigh Lake, and doubtless the mean annual run-off will be 43,000 
acre-feet for the 30 square miles exclusive of the area adjacent to 
Leigh Lake which empties into Jenny Lake. 
























320 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 

CHEYENNE RIVER BASIN. 

In the northeastern part of Wyoming between Powder River on 
the west and the North Platte on the south lies the drainage basin 
of the Cheyenne and its principal tributary, Belle Fourche River. 
The entire area lies on the high plains and has their typically rolling 
topography. The general elevation decreases from 5,000 feet to less 
than 4,000 feet at the State line. The most rugged portion of the 
basin is that occupied by the Bear Lodge Mountains, which lie south 
of the Belle Fourche in the lower part of the basin, and also that 
occupied by a spur of the Black Hills southeast of the Bear Lodge 
Mountains, near the South Dakota line. Elevations here reach 
6,000 feet. 

As the mean annual rainfall of the upper part of the basin is 
between 12 and 14 inches, the flow of the streams in that section is 
intermittent. The rainfall increases toward the lower portion of 
the basin until it is 20 inches at the State line, and the flow becomes 
perennial where the rainfall exceeds 15 inches. 

No gaging stations in this basin have been maintained in Wyoming, 
but records are available for stations a short distance beyond the 
State line in South Dakota, at Edgemont, and near Hot Springs on 
Cheyenne River and near Belle Fourche on Belle Fourche River. 

EVAPORATION FROM WATER SURFACES. 

FACTORS INFLUENCING RATE OF EVAPORATION. 

The chief factors influencing evaporation are temperature of the 
water surface, relative humidity of atmosphere above water surface, 
and velocity of wind. 

As the temperature of the water surface increases, the vapor 
pressure corresponding to it likewise increases, and thus the rapidity 
with which the water particles are given off into the air in evaporation 
is increased. The rate of evaporation for any given temperature is 
influenced by the relative humidity or percentage of possible satura¬ 
tion of the layer of air adjacent to the water surface. The greater 
the relative humidity the nearer to saturation is the vapor in the air, 
and the less the difference between the vapor pressure corresponding 
to the water surface and the vapor pressure of the air. The rate of 
evaporation bears an important relation to the difference between 
these two vapor pressures. If the air is still, a blanket of vapor is 
soon formed after evaporation begins, and as this blanket increases 
the humidity of the air, the rate of evaporation lessens. If, on the 
other hand, the wind is blowing, it carries away the vapor blanket, 
replacing it with drier air, so that the relative humidity is kept down 
and the original rate of evaporation more nearly maintained. An 
increase in wind velocity carries away the vapor blanket more 
quickly. 


EVAPORATION. 


321 


EVAPORATION RECORDS IN WYOMING. 

Records of evaporation are available at several points in Wyoming 
but as these records have been taken by means of pans varying in 
diameter, depth, and immediate surroundings, they are not directly 
comparable, nor does any one of them give the actual evaporation 
from a reservoir surface under like conditions of temperature, relative 
humidity, and wind velocity. It is therefore necessary to reduce 
them to the corresponding reservoir equivalent before using. 

So far as the writer knows, the only comprehensive experiments 
carried on to determine the proper reduction factors for pans of 
various diameters, depth, and immediate surroundings were those of 
the Office of Public Roads and Rural Engineering in Denver during 
1915 and 191(3. 23 In this investigation evaporation was measured 
simultaneously in pans of the varying dimensions and surroundings 
most commonly used. Although the investigation lasted only from 
November, 1915, to November, 1916, it was carefully made and de¬ 
termined the relative effect of the different pans under conditions 
existing at the open-air laboratory in Denver. The results have not 
been verified under different surroundings and atmospheric condi¬ 
tions, but it is believed that the reduction factors are applicable, at 
least in a general way, to the points in Wyoming where records of 
observed evaporation are available. The following table of co¬ 
efficients applicable to various Wyoming land pans to show reservoir 
equivalants has been compiled from the Denver experiments: 


Coefficients Jor land pans to show equivalent reservoir evaporation. 


Type 

Size of pan- 

Depth 

(inches). 

Coeffii- 
cients for 
reservoir 
equiva¬ 
lents- 

A 

Weather Bureau standard pan for class A station, circular, 4 feet in diameter, 
placed on top of ground. 

10 

0.66 

B 

Square pan 3 by 3 feet placed 2.75 feet in ground. 

36 

.80 

C 

Circular pan 6 feet in diameter set in ground with narrow rim not more than 

3 inches above ground. 

24 

.90 


By means of these reduction coefficients the records of evaporation 
from land pans in Wyoming (there being no floating-pan records) 
have been reduced to equivalent reservoir evaporation. Both the 
observed and deduced results are given in the following table: 


25 Jour. Agr. Research, vol. 10, p. 237, July 30, 1917. 



















322 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION 


Observed evaporation, m inches, at stations in Wyoming, reduced to reservoir equivalent. 


Month. 

Ob¬ 

served 

evap¬ 

ora¬ 

tion. 

Reser¬ 

voir 

equiv¬ 

alent. 

Laramie, (a) 

1891. 



July 22-31. 

4.42 

3.54 

August. 

8.59 

6.87 

September. 

5.04 

4. 03 

October. 

3.72 

2.97 

November 1-11... 

.93 

.74 

1892. 



May 24-31. 

1.59 

1.27 

June. 

8.25 

6. 59 

July. 

9.19 

7. 35 

August. 

8. 27 

6.62 

September. 

6.10 

4. 88 

October 1-10. 

1.50 

1.20 

1893. 



April 24-30. 

.56 

.45 

May. 

4.80 

3.84 

June. 

7. 88 

6. 31 

July. 

9.35 

7.48 

August. 

6.59 

5. 27 

September. 

6.02 

4.82 

October. 

2.89 

2.31 

1894. 



April 26-30. 

.91 

.73 

May. 

6.08 

4.85 

June. 

7. 49 

5.99 

July. 

6.69 

5.35 

August. 

6.28 

5. 03 

September. 

6. 44 

5.16 

October 1-27. 

3.31 

2.65 

1895. 



April 17-30. 

2.53 

2.02 

May. 

7.33 

5. 87 

June. 

6.24 

4.99 

July. 

7.29 

5.83 

August. 

6.07 

4.86 

September. 

4.95 

3.98 

October. 

2.62 

2.09 

Archer 

• ( b ) 


1913. 



May 24-31. 

1.35 

1.21 

June. 

7.10 

6.39 

July. 

7. 76 

6. 98 

August. 

7. 56 

6.80 

September. 

4.50 

4. 05 

Oct. 1-17. 

2.04 

1.84 

1914. 



April. 

3.57 

3.21 

May. 

5.70 

5.13 

June. 

8.32 

7. 49 

July. 

7.99 

7.19 

August. 

8. 58 

7. 72 

September. 

6.77 

6.09 1 

1 


Month. 


Ob¬ 

served 

evap¬ 

ora¬ 

tion. 


Reser¬ 

voir 

equiv¬ 

alent. 


Archer (&)—Continued. 


1915. 



April. 

3.16 

2. 84 

May. 

4. 70 

4. 23 

June. 

5.56 

5.00 

July. 

6.64 

5. 98 

August. 

5.35 

4.82 

September. 

4.% 

4.46 

1916. 



April. 

4.53 

4.08 

May. 

6.16 

5.54 

June. 

7. 57 

6.81 

July. 

9.06 

8.15 

August. 

5. 94 

5.35 

September. 

6.35 

5. 72 

1917. 



April. 

3.76 

3. 38 

May. 

3.43 

3.09 

June. 

7.29 

6.56 

July. 

8. 32 

7.49 

August. 

6.99 

6.29 

September. 

5.56 

5.00 

1918. 


- 

May. 

5. 95 

5. 35 

June. 

6.31 

5.71 

July. 

5.46 

4.92 

August. 

8.39 

7. 55 

September. 

3.61 

3. 24 

October. 

2. 89 

2.60 


Pathfinder (c) 


1914. 



June. 

10. 55 

6.96 

July. 

12.01 

7.94 

August. 

10.94 

7. 22 

September. 

8.90 

5.88 

October. 

4.45 

2.94 

1915. 



May. 

6.06 

4.00 

June. 

8.27 

5.46 

July. 

9.84 

6.49 

August. 

9.08 

5. 98 

September. 

6.50 

4. 29 

October. 

5. 47 

3.61 

1916. 



May. 

5.94 

3.92 

June. 

10. 28 

6. 78 

July. 

12. 48 

8.24 

August. 

10.12 

6.67 

September. 

9.17 

6.05 


Month. 

Ob¬ 

served 

evap¬ 

ora¬ 

tion. 

Reser¬ 

voir 

equiv¬ 

alent. 

Pathfinder (c)— 

-Continued. 

1917. 



May. 






June. 

9. 50 

6. 27 

July. 

12.50 

8.25 

August. 

10.75 

7.10 

September. 

7.52 

4. 97 

1918. 



May. 

6. 81 

4. 51 

June. 

9. 37 

6.18 

July. 

9.88 

6.52 

August. 

10.93 

7.22 

1 September. 

6.46 

4.26 

October. 

3.66 

2. 42 

November 1-6_ 

1.06 

.70 


Ralston reservoir, (c) 


1911. 



August. 

10.7 

7.06 

September. 

7.3 

4. 32 

October. 

4.0 

2.64 

1912. 



May. 

7.0 

4.62 

June. 

8.2 

5. 41 

July. 

9.00 

5. 94 

August. 

8.30 

5. 48 

September. 

3.00 

1.98 

October. 

2.5 

1.65 

1913. 



May. 

4.0 

2.64 

June. 

8.4 

5. 54 

July. 

8.7 

5. 74 

August.. 

7.4 

4. 88 

September. 

6. 5 

4.29 

1914. 



May. 

6.2 

4. 01 

June. 

8.8 

5. 81 

July. 

10.5 

6.93 

August. 

8.9 

5.87 

September. 

5.5 

3. 63 

October. 

3.2 

2.11 

1915. 



June. 

7.3 

4.82 

July.. 

8.1 

5.35 

August. 

8.1 

5.35 

1916. 



May. 

6.0 

3.96 

June. 

8. 36 

5.52 

July. 

9.83 

6. 49 

August. 

10.05 

6.63 


















































































































































































EVAPORATION. 


323 


Obsei vtd evaporation, in inches, at stations in Wyoming, reduced to reservoir equivalent — 

Continued. 


Month. 

Ob¬ 

served 

evap¬ 

ora¬ 

tion. 

Reser¬ 

voir 

equiv¬ 

alent. 

Month. 

Ob¬ 
served 
evap¬ 
ora¬ 
tion. ' 
1 

Reser¬ 
voir 
equiv¬ 
alent . 

Month. 

Ob¬ 

served 

evap¬ 

ora¬ 

tion. 

Reser¬ 

voir 

equiv¬ 

alent. 

Near Shoshone 

reservoir. (<) 

Sheridan field station, (b) 

Powelt.(c) 

1915 


! 

1917 



1917 



June. 

7.2 

4. 75 

Mav. 

4.91 

4 42 

A pril 

i on 

00 

July . 

7.5 

4.95 

June. 

5.82 

5 24 

M n.v 

4 80 

3 17 

August. 

6.0 

3.96 

Julv. 

9. 81 

8. 83 

June 

7 20 

4 75 

September. 

5.0 

3.30 

August. 

7.65 

6 88 

July 

6 10 

4 03 

October. 

3.1 

2.05 

September. 

5.06 

4. 55 

August. 

3.90 

2.57 

November. 

. 7 

.46 




Sente.mher. 

1.80 

1.19 




1918 




1916 



Mav. 

4.23 

3.81 

1918 



April. 

3.12 

2.06 

June. 

6.61 

5.96 

April 23-30 

1 4 

09 

May. 

5.43 

3.58 

July. 

6.59 

5.93 

May- 

6 0 

3 96 

June. 

7.30 

4.82 

August. 

7. 50 

6.75 

June. 

11 75 

7 77 

July. 

8. 48 

5. 59 

September. 

3. 97 

3. 57 

July.. 

7 65 

5 04 

August. 

7.25 

4.78 




August 

7.65 

5. 04 

September. 

4.21 

2. 77 





October. 

2.29 

1.51 







1917 









June. 

6.0 

3.96 







July. 

8.5 

5.61 







August. 

6.5 

4.29 







September. 

4.5 

2. 97 







1918. 









May.. 

4. 77 

3.15 







June. 

9.05 

5.95 







Julv. 

9.37 

6.19 







August. 

8.20 

5.41 







September. 

8.02 

5.28 







October. 

3.84 

2.53 








(a) Type B pan, coefficient 0.80. (&) Type C pan, coefficient 0.90. (c) Type A pan, coefficient 0.66. 

Note. —Evaporation records at Laramie, Archer, and Sheridan Field stations compiled by agricultural 
experiment station at those points. Records at Pathfinder, Ralston reservoir, Shoshone reservoir, and 
Powell compiled by U. S. Reclamation Service. 


COMPUTATION OF EVAPORATION. 

The records do not cover all parts of the State and are available 
for the open-water period only, as freezing prevents ordinary evap¬ 
oration observations, although it is a recognized fact that evap¬ 
oration takes place from ice surfaces at a slow rate. It is therefore 
desirable that evaporation be computed for other points, if this can 
be done with a fair degree of accuracy. 

The effect of the various factors influencing evaporation is so com¬ 
plex that most of the formulae for evaporation are cumbersome and 
require data not usually available. Meyer 26 proposes a formula 
based on the Dalton law, modified by observation and comparison 
with actual records of evaporation. This formula, which has been 
called the Dalton-Meyer formula, may be written: 

E = C (e 3 — e d ) (l + j^) 


36 Meyer, A. F., Elements of hydrology, John Wiley & Sons, 1917. 
































































































324 SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


E = evaporation in inches (the unit being the month in this paper). 

C = a constant. 

e 8 = maximum vapor pressure in inches of mercury corresponding 
to the temperature of the water. 

e d = actual pressure in inches of mercury of vapor present in the 
atmosphere above the water. 

W = wind velocity in miles per hour, where the wind is measured at 
a considerable height above the ground, as is usual with Weather 
Bureau records. 

This formula involves temperature of water surface (which is con¬ 
sidered to be substantially the same as air temperature, any dif¬ 
ference being taken into account in the determination of the con¬ 
stant C, relative humidity, and wind movement in miles per hour. 
All these factors are available in Weather Bureau records at several 
points in the State. Preliminary comparisons with actual records 
(reduced to reservoir equivalents) indicated that a value of C=13.5 
most nearly fitted conditions in the portions of Wyoming for which 
records were available. 

The following table shows the comparison between the mean 
monthly evaporation for five years as observed and as computed, 
the mean of the climatologic data for the same years being used. 


Comparison between observed and computed evaporation, hi inches, at stations in 

Wyoming. 


Cheyenne. 

Laramie. 



Computed. 



Computed. 


Observed 







Month. 

at 


Per cent 

Month. 

Observed. 


Per cent 


Archer. 

Quantity. 

observed 

evapora- 



Quantity. 

observed 

evapora- 




tion. 




tion. 

April. 

3.38 

2. 72 

SO 

May. 

4. 85 

3.47 

72 

May. 

4.49 

3.57 

80 

J une. 

5. 97 

5.94 

100 

J line. 

6.45 

6. 26 

97 

July. 

6. 50 

6. 34 

98 

July. 

7.16 

7. 73 

108 

August. 

5. 75 

5. 70 

99 

August. 

6. 20 

6.16 

99 

September... 

4.57 

4.69 

103 

September. 

5.06 

5. 21 

103 

October. 

2. 53 

2.89 

114 


Data are also available for similar comparisons at Pueblo and 
Fort Collins, Colo., and Santa Fe, N. Mex. These comparisons are 
presented to give further information on the reliabilty of the Dalton- 
Meyer formula in giving fairly accurate results. 











































EVAPORATION. 325 


Comparison between observed and computed evaporation, in inches, at stations in Colorado 

and New Mexico. 


Month. 

Fort Collins, Colo.a 

1 

Pueblo, Colo.& 

Sante Fe, N. Mex.c 

Ob- 

served.tf 

Computed. 

Ob- 

served.d 

Computed. 

Ob¬ 
served .d 

Computed. 

Quan¬ 

tity. 

Per 
cent 
of ob¬ 
served 
evap¬ 
oration. 

Quan¬ 

tity. 

Per 
cent 
of ob¬ 
served 
evap¬ 
oration. 

Quan¬ 

tity. 

Per 
cent 
of ob¬ 
served 
evap¬ 
oration. 

January. 

1.04 

0.95 

91 

1.77 

1. 77 

100 

1.78 

1.45 

81 

February. 

1.27 

.94 

74 

1.07 

1.90 

177 

2.00 

1.67 

83 

March. 

2.31 

1.79 

78 

3.05 

3. 18 

104 

3.51 

2. 94 

84 

April. 

3.41 

3.40 

100 

4. 05 

3. 98 

98 

5.14 

4.61 

90 

May. 

3. 70 

3. 77 

102 

5.16 

5.82 

113 

6.48 

7.32 

113 

June. 

4. 30 

4.73 

110 

7. 36 

8.85 

120 

7.66 

,7. 93 

103 

July. 

4.47 

4. 77 

107 

8. 35 

8.64 

103 

6.63 

6. 75 

102 

August. 

4.00 

4.62 

115 

7.63 

7. 72 

101 

5. 57 

6.65 ' 

119 

September. 

3. 44 

3.74 

109 

7.47 

5. 94 

SO 

5. 38 

5. 27 

98 

October. 

2.66 

2.51 

94 

4.75 

3.98 

84 

4. 34 

3.61 

83 

November. 

1.23 

1.39 

113 

2. 53 

2. 50 

100 

3. 51 

2.50 

71 

December. 

.91 

1.05 

116 

1.52 

1.42 

93 

2.42 

2.00 

83 

Annual. 

32.71 

33.66 

I 

103 

54. 71 

55. 74 

102 

54.42 

52. 70 

97 


a Mean of 24 years’ records. 

b Mean of 2 years’ records. Evaporation station 5 miles distant from Weather Bureau station, 
c Mean of 2 years’ records. 
d Reduced to reservoir equivalent. 

In the foregoing comparisons it should be noted that, in general, 
the greatest discrepancies are in the months of least evaporation, 
owing partly to the fact that in spring and fall the temperature of 
the air and water is not equal, as has been assumed in the computa¬ 
tions. 

The comparison between computed and observed evaporation 
indicates that the mean monthly evaporation for a period of years 
can be computed with at least a fair degree of accuracy. Such com¬ 
putations have been made for points in Wyoming for which data on 
temperature, relative humidity, and wind movement are avail¬ 
able. These points are Cheyenne, Laramie, Sheridan, Lander, and 
Yellowstone Park. The following table shows the monthly evap¬ 
oration at these points for a mean of six years or more, together with 
the factors influencing it: 

























































32G SURFACE WATERS OF WYOMING AND THEIR UTILIZATION. 


Computed evaporation at points in Wyoming. 


Month. 

Tem- 
Derature 
of air 
(°F.). 

Rela¬ 

tive 

humid¬ 

ity 

(per 

cent). 

Wind 

velocity 

(miles 

per 

hour). 

Evapo¬ 

ration 

(in¬ 

ches). 

I 

Month. 

Tem¬ 
perature 
of air 
(°F.). 

Rela^ 

tive 

humid¬ 

ity 

(per 

cent). 

Wind 

velocity 

(miles 

per 

hour). 

Evapo 

ration 

(in¬ 

ches). 

Cheyenne, elevation 6,082 feet. 

Lander 

elevation 5,372 

feet. 


January. 

25.8 

53 

12.6 

1.12 

January. 

20.3 

72 

3.4 

0.52 

February. 

27.0 

60 

12.3 

1.29 

F ebruaW. 

22.2 

70 

3.4 

.62 

March... .*. 

32.7 

58 

12.2 

2.33 

March.. 

28.1 

63 

4.8 

1.12 

April. 

41. 2- 

58 

11.5 

3.13 

April. 

41.2 

57 

5.2 

2. 28 

May. 

50.9 

60 

10.8 

4.18 

May. 

50.6 

57 

5.1 

3. 21 

June. 

61.0 

56 

9.8 

6.30 

June. 

58.8 

52 

4.7 

4. 72 

July. 

67. 0 

54 

8.5 

7. 58 

July. 

66.1 

50 

4.2 

6.13 

August. 

05. 9 

54 

8.1 

7.15 

August. 

65.3 

51 

3.9 

5.71 

September. 

57.1 

50 

8.9 

5.96 

Seotember. 

55.8 

54 

4.4 

3.97 

October. 

45. 6 

52 

9. 7 

3. 88 

October. 

44.1 

62 

3.4 

1.97 

November. 

34.8 

54 

11.0 

2.61 

November. 

32.1 

68 

3.7 

1.07 

December. 

28.6 

54 

12.5 

2.13 

December. 

20.0 

74 

3.2 

.48 

Annual.... 

44.8 

55 

10.7 

48.46 

Annual.... 

42.0 

61 

4.1 

31.80 

Laramie, elevation 7,148 feet. 

Yellowstone 

Park, elevation 

6,200 feet. 

January. 

22.2 

67 

11.3 

1.09 

January. 

19.1 

76 

9.5 

0.63 

February. 

21.9 

70 

11. 0 

. 95 

February. 

18.6 

72 

8.3 

.66 

March. 

29.3 

67 

11.0 

1.47 | 

March.. 

26.9 

66 

8.2 

1.18 

April. 

37.2 

65 

11.0 

2.19 1 

April. 

36.2 

65 

S. 1 

1.80 

May. 

46.6 

61 

10. 7 

3. 47 

May.:... 

46.0 

63 

7.9 

2. 78 

June. 

56.3 

54 

11.2 

5.94 

June. 

54.0 

55 

7.6 

4.47 

July. 

62.4 

55 

8.6 

6.34 

July. 

61.2 

55 

7.0 

5.57 

August. 

61.6 

56 

7. 5 

5.70 

August. 

60.5 

55 

6.9 

5.41 

September. 

53.6 

55 

8.8 

4.69 

September. 

50.9 

59 

6.8 

3. 47 

0 etober. 

42.2 

60 

10.0 

2.89 

October. 

41.0 

66 

6.9 

1.98 

November....... 

32.2 

61 

10.4 

1.96 

November. 

29.9 

67 

7. 5 

1.27 

December. 

22.2 

69 

8.8 

.89 

December. 

21.0 

74 

7.5 

.66 

Annual.... 

40.6 

62 

10.0 

37.58 

Annual. 

38.8 

64 

7.7 

29.88 

Sheridan, elevation 3,738 feet. 






January. 

19.4 

73 

4.7 

. 0. 55 






February. 

21.3 

73 

6.1 

. 65 






March. 

30.2 

62 

7.4 

1.48 






April. 

42.9 

58 

9.0 

2.97 






May. 

50.8 

64 

9.4 

3.50 






June. 

60.0 

68 

6.2 

3.61 






July. 

67.3 

58 

6.2 

6.09 






August. 

66.3 

58 

5.6 

5. 72 






September. 

56.8 

62 

5.8 

3.75 






October. 

44.8 

66 

6.6 

2. 26 






N ovember. 

32.3 

70 

5.4 

1.15 






December. 

24.2 

80 

6.2 

. 54 






Annual.... 

43.0 

66 

6.6 

32.27 







The effects of temperature, relative humidity, and wind velocity 
are brought out in the foregoing table. The temperatures at Chey¬ 
enne, which are higher than those at Laramie, induce a greater 
capacity for absorption of moisture and hence reduce the relative 
humidity (62 per cent at Laramie, 55 per cent at Cheyenne) and in 
turn increase the total evaporation (37.58 inches at Laramie, 48.46 
inches at Cheyenne), the wind velocities being nearly the same. The 
effect of wind velocity is shown in the comparison between Sheridan 
and Lander, at which the temperatures are nearly the same. Al¬ 
though the relative humidity at Sheridan is considerably higher, the 
evaporation is actually greater than at Lander, as the higher wind 
velocity over the water surface at Sheridan tends to keep the atmos¬ 
phere moving at a faster rate. The effect is to increase the evapora¬ 
tion from 31.80 inches at Lander to 32.27 inches at Sheridan, in spite 
of the lower humidity at Lander. 






































































































































INDEX. 


Page. 

Alcova, Wyo., Canyon Creek near. 176-177 

Deweese Creek near. 174 

Horse Creek near. 177-178 

Sand Creek near. 174-175 

Sweetwater River near. 171-172 

Alpine, Idaho, Greys River near. 315 

Salt River near.315-316 

Wolf Creek near.314-315 

Arapahoe, Wyo., Little Wind River above.. 37-38 

Popo Agie River below.31-33 

Areas and boundaries. 4-5 

Arlington, Wyo., Deep Creek near. 168-169 

Rock Creek near. 165-167 

Arvada, Wyo., Clear Creek near. 108-109 

Powder River at. 102-103 

Powder River near. 103-104 

Baggs, Wyo., Muddy Creek near. 298 

Bates Creek near Casper, Wyo. 179-180 

Bear River basin, gaging-station records in. 299-300 

general features of. 298-299 

irrigation in. 301 

measured drainage areas in. 299 

storage in. 301 

water power in. 301 

Bear River near Evanston, Wyo. 299-300 

Beartooth Creek, undeveloped power on. 87 

Bibliography. 3-4 

Big Creek, description of. 119 

measured drainage areas of. 125 

near Big Creek, Wyo. 151-152 

Big Horn reservoir, area and capacity of. 74 

Big Horn River at Thermopolis, Wyo.22-25 

description of. 10-11 

developed power on.70-71 

irrigation from. 63-65 

proposed irrigation from. 68 

undeveloped power on.72-74 

water supply of, available for irrigation.. 69-70 

Big Horn River basin, areas covered by com¬ 
pleted ditches in. 62 

developed reservoirs in. 79 

developed water power in.70-72 

gaging-station records in. 18-62 

general features of. 8-16 

irrigation in.62-70 

measured drainage areas in. 16-18 

storage in.79-83 

undeveloped reservoir sites in.79-83 

Big Horn, Wyo., Little Goose Creek near_ 93 

Big Piney, Wyo., Cottonwood Creek near.. 260-261 

Middle Piney Creek near. 274-275 

Big Sandy Creek basin, measured drainage 

areas in. 252 

Big Sandy Creek, description of. 249 

irrigation development on. 287 

near Big Sandy, Wyo. 278 

near Eden, Wyo. 278 

near Farson, Wyo. 279 


Big Sandy, Wyo., Squaw Creek near. 279-280 

Blacks Fork at Granger, Wyo. 282-282 

description of. 25© 

irrigation developments on.280-287 

near Urie, Wyo. 281-282 

Blacks Fork basin, measured drainage areas 

in. 251 

Bonanza, Wyo., Nowood Creek at.40-42 

Paintrock Creek near.45-47 

Boulder Creek, irrigation development on... 287 

near Boulder, Wyo. 271-27$ 

Boulder, Wyo., New Fork River near. 265-266 

Boundaries and areas. 4 _£ 

Boxelder Creek near Careyhurst, Wyo.181-182 

Brush Creek basin, measured drainage areas 

in. 12$ 

Brush Creek, description of. 12 © 

near Saratoga, Wyo. 154-154 

Buffalo Fork near Moran, Wyo. 316 

Buffalo Manufacturing Co., cooperation by... j 

Buffalo, Wyo., Clear Creek at. 107-108 

Clear Creek near. 104-10* 

Bull Lake Creek, description of. 12—IS 

near Lenore, Wyo.28-28 

Canyon Creek near Alcova, Wyo.176-177 

Careyhurst, Wyo, Boxelder Creek near_181-182 

Carneyville, Wyo., Tongue River at.90-91 

Casper, Wyo., Bates Creek near.179-186 

North Platte River near. 13 s 

Cheney, Wyo., Fall Creek near. 314 

Flat Creek near. 313 

Hobaqk River near.313-314 

Cheyenne River basin, general features of.... 326 

Chugwater Creek at Chugwater, Wyo. 232-234 

Clark Fork basin, gaging-station records in.. 84-85 

general features of.83-84 

irrigation in. 8$ 

measured drainage areas in. 84 

water power in.86-87 

Clark Fork near Clark, Wyo. 84-85 

undeveloped water power on. 86 

Clear Creek at Buffalo, Wyo. 107-108 

developed power on. 112 

near Arvada, Wyo.108-108 

near Buffalo, Wyo. 104-107 

Cody, Wyo., Shoshone River at.55-5? 

Colorado, areas irrigated in North Platte 

River basin in. 188-188 

cooperation by. 2 

irrigation in, from Laramie River. 234 

proposed irrigation projects in North 

Platte River basin in.191,196-197 

Cooperation. 2-2 

Cora, Wyo., New Fork River near. 264-26S 

Corbett dam, Wyo., Shoshone River at.57-61 

Corbett tunnel at Corbett dam, Wyo.60-6S 

Cottonwood Creek basin, measured drainage 

areas in. 25£ 


105707—23— wsp 469-22 


327 








































































































328 


INDEX. 


Page. 

Cottonwood Creek, description of. 246-247 

near Big Piney, Wvo. 260-261 

near Teton, Wyo. 311 

near Wendover, Wyo. 187-188 

Cow Creek, description of. 121 

near Saratoga, Wyo. 158 

Crow Creek basin, measured drainage areas 

in. 242 

Daniel, Wyo., Green River near. 253-254 

Horse Creek at. 259 

Dayton, Wyo., Tongue River at. 90 

Tongue River near. 89-90 

Dead Indian Creek, undeveloped power on.. 87 

Deep Creek near Arlington, Wyo. 168-169 

Deer Creek at Glenrock, Wyo. 180-181 

Deweese Creek near Alcova, Wyo. 174 

Diamondville, Wyo., Hams Fork at. 283-284 

Dinwoody Creek, description of. 12 

near Lenore, Wyo. 26-27 

Dixon, Wyo., Little Snake River near. 295-296 

Douglas Creek basin, measured drainage areas 

in. 125 

Douglas Creek, description of. 119 

near Keystone, Wyo. 150-151 

undeveloped power on. 198 

Douglas Reservoirs Co., cooperation by. 3 

Douglas, Wyo., La Prele Creek near. 183 

North Platte River at. 140 

Dry Creek, description of. 12 

near Lenore, Wyo. 27-28 

Dubois, Wyo., Horse Creek at.^ 26 

Wind River at. 18-19 

East Fork canal, Wyo., East Fork River 

at. 261-262 

East Fork River at East Fork canal,Wyo. 261-262 

at New Fork, Wyo. 262-264 

Eden Land & Irrigation Co., cooperation by. 3 

Eden, Wyo., Big Sandy Creek near. 278 

, Little Sandy Creek near. 280 

Elk, Wyo., Spread Creek near.310-311 

Encampment River at Encampment, 

Wyo. 155-158 

description of. 120-121 

undeveloped power on. 199 

Encampment River basin, measured drain¬ 
age area in. 126 

Evanston, Wyo., Bear River near. 299-300 

Evaporation, computation of. 323-326 

factors influencing rate of. 320 

records of. 321-323 

Fall Creek near Cheney, Wyo. 314 

near Fayette, Wyo. 270-271 

Farson, Wyo., Big Sandy Creek near. 279 

Fayette, Wyo., Fall Creek near. 270-271 

Pole Creek at. 269-270 

Fetterman, Wyo., La Prele Creek near_183-184 

Filmore, Wyo., Little Laramie River near. 224-227 

Fish Creek near Wilson, Wyo.312-313 

Flaming Gorge reservoir site, description of.. 291 

Flat Creek near Cheney, Wyo. 313 

Fontenelle Creek basin, measured drainage 

areas in. 25 

Fontenelle Creek, description of. 249 

near Fontenelle, Wyo. 276-277 

Forestation. 7-8 


See also “General features” under indi¬ 
vidual basins. 


Page. 

Fort Laramie, Wyo., Laramie River at- 223-224 

Fort Washakie, Wyo., Little Wind River at.. 36 


North Fork of Little Wind River at. 35 

South Fork of Little Wind River near_ 36 

French Creek-basin, measured drainage areas 

in. 125 

French Creek, description of. 119-120 

near French, Wyo. 153-154 

Glendevey, Colo., Laramie River near. 204-206 

Glendo, Wyo., Horseshoe Creek near.186-187 

Glenrock, Wyo., Deer Creek at. 180-181 

Goose Creek at Sheridan, Wyo.91-92 

developed power on. 96 

undeveloped water power on. 98 

Granger, Wyo., Blacks Fork at. 2S2-283 

Green River at Green River, Wyo. 255-258 

description of. 245-246 

effect of proposed irrigation development 

on discharge of. 290 

irrigation developments on. 286 

near Daniel, Wyo. 253-254 

near Kendall, Wyo. 252-253 

proposed irrigation projects on. 288-290 

undeveloped power on. 290-291 

western tributaries of, reservoir sites on.. 293 

Green River basin, area covered by com¬ 
pleted ditches in. 286 

gaging-station records in. 252-285 

general features of. 243-250 

irrigation in. 285-290 

measured drainage areas in. 251-252 

proposed irrigation projects in. 287-290 

storage in. 292-294 

water power in. 290-292 

Grey bull River at Meeteetse, Wyo.48-49 

description of. 14 

irrigation from. 65 

proposed irrigation from. 68 

Greybull River basin, measured drainage 

areas in. 17 

Greys River near Alpine, Idaho. 315 

Gros Ventre River at Kelly, Wyo.311-312 

at Zenith, Wyo. 312 

Grover, N. C., introduction by.IX-X 

Guernsey, Wyo., North Platte River at... 142-144 

Hams Fork at Diamond ville, Wyo. 283-284 

proposed irrigation projects on. 290 

Hawk Springs Development Co., cooperation 

by. 3 

Heber Land & Livestock Co., cooperation by. 3 

Hecla, Wyo., Middle Crow Creek near. 243 

Henrys Fork, description of. 250 

near Linwood, Utah. 295 

Hoback River near Cheney, Wyo.313-314 

Hodges, P. V., and assistants, work of. 3 

Horse Creek at Daniel, Wyo. 259 

at Dubois, Wyo. 26 

description of. 11-12,124,246 

near Alcova, Wyo. 177-178 

near LeGrange, Wyo. 178-179 

Horse Creek basin, measured drainage areas 

in. 17,127,251 

Horseshoe Creek near Glendo, Wyo.186-187 

Hudson, Wyo., Little Popo Agie River at... 33-35 
Hyattville, Wyo., Paintrock Creek near. 45 

Ishawooa, Wvo., Shoshone River near.53-54 













































































































INDEX. 


329 


Page. 

Jack Creek at Blydenburgh’s ranch, near 


Saratoga, Wyo. 161-162 

at Matheson’s ranch, near Saratoga, 

Wyo. 160-161 

description of. 121 

Jack Creek basin, measured drainage areas in. 126 

Jelm, Wyo., Laramie River near. 206-209 

Johnson & Cronberg, cooperation by. 3 

Kaycee, Wyo., Middle Fork of Powder River 

at. 101-101 

Kearney, Wyo., Piney Creek at. 109-112 

Kelly, Wyo, Gros Ventre River at.311-312 

Kendall, Wyo., Green River near. 252-253 

Keystone, Wyo., Douglas Creek near. 150-151 

Labarge Creek basin, measured drainage 

areas in. 252 

Labarge Creek, description of. 248 

near Labarge, Wyo. 275-276 

Labonte Creek near Labonte, Wyo. 185-186 

Labonte, Wyo., Wagon Hound Creek near. 184-185 

LaGrange, Wyo., Horse Creek near. 178-179 

Lake Creek, undeveloped power on. 86-87 

Lander, Wyo., Middle Fork of Popo Agie 

River near. 30-31 

La Prele Creek near Douglas, Wyo. 183 

near Fetterman, Wyo. 183-184 

Laramie River and Pioneer canal near Woods, 

Wyo.211-217 

Laramie River at Fort Laramie, Wyo. 223-224 

at McGill, Wyo. 220 

at Two Rivers, Wyo. 217-218 

at Uva, Wyo. 222-223 

at Woods Landing, Wyo. 209-211 

below McGill, Wyo. 220-221 

irrigation developments on.,. 235-237 

near Glendevey, Colo. 204-206 

near Jelm, Wyo. 206-209 

near Lookout, Wyo. 219 

near Wheatland, Wyo. 221-222 

water supply of, available for irrigation. 237-238 

Laramie River basin, diversions from. 238-240 

gaging-station records in. 204-234 

general features of. 202-203 

irrigation in. 235-240 

measured drainage areas in. 203 

storage in. 241-242 

water power in. 240-241 

Laramie Water Co., cooperation by. 3 

Leiter, L. Z., estate, cooperation by. 3 

Lenore, Wyo., Bull Lake Creek near.28-29 

Dinwoody Creek near.26-27 

Dry Creek near.27-28 

Willow Creek near. 28 

Linwood, Utah, Henrys Fork near. 285 

Little G oose Creek at Sheridan, Wyo. 94 

near Big Horn, Wyo. 93 

Little Laramie River at Two Rivers, Wyo. 227-229 

irrigation developments on. 237 

near Filmore, Wyo. 224-227 

water supply of, available for irrigation.. 238 

Little Popo Agie River at Hudson, Wyo-33-35 

Little Sandy Creek near Eden, Wyo. 280 

Little Snake River basin, gaging-station 

records in. 295-298 

general features of. 294 

measured drainage areas in. 294 


Page. 

Little Snake River near Dixon, Wyo. 295-296 

Little Wind River above Arapahoe, Wyo.... 37-38 

at Fort Washakie, Wyo. 36 

description of. ] j 

North Fork of, at Fort Washakie, Wyo.. 35 

South Fork of, near Fort Washakie, Wyo. 36 

undeveloped power on. 75 

Little Wind River basin, measured drainage 

areas in. 17 

Lookout, Wyo., Laramie River near. 219 

Lovell, Wyo., Shoshone River at. 62 

McGill, Wyo., Laramie River at. 220 

Laramie River below. 220-221 

McKinley, Wyo., North Platte River at. 142 

Marbleton, Wyo., North Piney Creek near. 273-274 

Marquette, Wyo., Shoshone River at. 54-55 

Medicine Bow River at Medicine Bow, Wyo. 165 

description of. 122 

near Medicine Bow, Wyo. 163-165 

Medicine Bow River basin, measured drain¬ 
age areas in. 126 

Meeteetse, Wyo., Greybull River at. 48-49 

Wood River near. 49-50 

Middle Crow Creek near Hecla, Wyo. 243 

Middle Piney Creek near Big Piney, Wyo.. 274-275 

Moran, Wyo., Buffalo Fork near. 310 

Pacific Creek near. 309-310 

Snake River at. 305-309 

Muddy Creek near Baggs, Wyo. 298 

near Shirley, Wyo. 169-170 

New Fork River, description of. 247 

near Boulder, Wyo. 265-266 

near Cora, Wyo. 264-265 

New Fork River basin, measured drainage 

areas in. 251 

New Fork, Wyo., East Fork River at. 262-264 

Northgate, Colo., North Platte River near. 127-129 
North Laramie River at upper station, near 

Wheatland, Wyo. 239-231 

irrigation developments on. 237 

near Wheatland, Wyo. 231-232 

North Park reservoir site, Colo., description 

Of.. 196-197 

North Piney Creek near Marbleton, Wyo.. 273-274 
North Platte River above Pathfinder, Wyo. 133-135 

above Whalen, Wyo. 144-150 

at Douglas, Wyo. 140 

at Guernsey, Wyo. 142-144 

at McKinley, Wyo. 142 

at Orin Junction, Wyo. 141 

at Pathfinder, Wyo. 135-139 

at Saratoga, Wyo. 129-133 

below Whalen, Wyo. 144-150 

description of. 118 

effect of irrigation development on dis¬ 
charge of. 193 

minor streams entering, description of... 124 

near Casper, Wyo. 139 

near Northgate, Colo. 127-129 

undeveloped power on.:— 196-197 

North Platte River basin, area irrigated in 

Colorado portion of. 188-189 

area irrigated in Wyoming portion of.. 189-191 

developed water power in. 194 

gaging-station records in. 127-188 

general features of. 116-118 








































































































330 


INDEX. 


JKorth Platts River bi sin—Continue! . Page. 

irrigation in. 188-194 

measured drainage areas in. 125-127 

proposed irrigation projects in. 191-192 

reservoirs in. 199 

storage in. 199-202 

transmountain diversions in. 193-194 

undeveloped reservoir sites in. 199-202 

undeveloped water power in. 194-199 

water available for irrigation in. 193 

water supply of. 192-193 

North Spring Creek near Saratoga, Wyo... 159-160 

Nowood Creek at Bonanza, Wyo.40-42 

description of. 13-14 

developed power on. 71 

proposed irrigation from. 68 

Nowood Creek basin, measured drainage 

areas in. 17 

Orin Junction, Wyo., North Platte River at. 141 
Owl Creek basin, measured drainage areas in. 17 

Owl Creek, description of. 13 

near Thermopolis, Wyo.39-40 

Pacific Creek near Moran, Wyo. 309-310 

Paintrock Creek near Bonanza, Wyo.45-47 

near Hyattville, Wyo. 45 

undeveloped power on. 76 

Pass Creek, description of. 122 

near Walcott, Wyo. 163 

Pathfinder reservoir, minor streams entering, 

description of. 124 

measured drainage areas of. 126 

Pathfinder, Wyo., North Platte River 

above. 133-135 

North Platte River at. 135-139 

Sage Creek above. 172-173 

Physical features. 4-8 

Pine Creek at Pinedale, Wyo. 267-269 

undeveloped power on. 292 

Pinedale, Wyo., Pine Creek at. 267-269 

Piney Creek at Kearney, Wyo. 109-111 

at Ucross, Wyo. 111-112 

description of. 248 

developed power on. 114 

Piney Creek basin, measured drainage areas 

in. 251 

Pioneer canal and Laramie River near Woods, 

Wyo.211-217 

Pole Creek at Fayette, Wyo. 269-270 

Popo Agie River basin, measured drainage 

areas in. 17 

Popo Agie River below Arapahoe, Wyo.31-33 

description of. 11 

Middle Fork of, developed power on. 71 

Middle Fork of, near Lander, Wyo.30-31 

Middle Fork of, undeveloped power on.. 75 

proposed irrigation from. 68 

Powder River at Arvada, Wyo. 102-103 

Middle Fork of, at Kaycee, Wyo.101-102 

near Arvada, Wyo. 103-104 

Powder River basin, gaging-station records 

in. 101-112 

general features of. 100-101 

Irrigation in. 112-113 

measured drainage areas in. 101 

proposed irrigation in. 113 

reservoir sites in. 115-116 

storage in. 115-116 


Powder River basin—Continued. Page. 

undeveloped power in. 114-115 

water power in. 113-115 

Precipitation. 6-7 

See also "General features” under indi¬ 
vidual basins. 

Principal drainage systems. 6 

Richards, F. R., cooperation by. 3 

Riverton, Wyo., Wind River at. 19-22 

Rock Creek Conservation Co., cooperation by. 3 

Rock Creek near Arlington, Wyo. 165-167 

near Rock River, Wyo. 167-168 

Rock River, Wyo., Rock Creek near. 167-168 

Sage Creek above Pathfinder, Wyo.172-173 

Sand Creek near Alcova, Wyo. 174-175 

Salt River, developed power on. 317 

near Alpine, Idaho.315-316 

Saratoga, Wyo., Brush Creek near. 154-155 

Cow Creek near. 158 

Jack Creek near. 160-162 

North Platte River at. 129-133 

North Spring Creek near. 159-160 

Spring Creek near. 159 

Savery Creek at Savery, Wyo. 296-297 

Seminoe Canyon reservoir site, description of. 197 

Shell Creek at Shell, Wyo. 50-52 

description of. 14-15 

irrigation from. 65-66 

undeveloped power on. 77 

Shell Creek basin, measured drainage areas in. 18 

Sheridan, Wyo., Goose Creek at.91-92 

Little Goose Creek at. 94 

Shirley, Wyo., Muddy Creek near. 169-170 

Shoshone River at Cody, Wyo.55-57 

at Corbett dam, Wyo.57-61 

at Lovell, Wyp. 62 

at Marquette, Wyo. 54-55 

description of. 15-16 

developed power on. 72 

irrigation from..., 66-67 

near Ishawooa, Wyo.53-54 

North Fork of, undeveloped power on... 78 

proposed irrigation from. 69 

undeveloped power on. 78 

Shoshone River basin, measured drainage 

areas in. 18 

Sibille Creek near Wheatland, Wyo. 229-230 

Snake River at Moran, Wyo. 305-309 

at south boundary of Yellowstone Na¬ 
tional Park. 303-305 

Snake River basin, areas covered by ditches 

in. 316 

gaging-station records in. 303-316 

general features of. 302 

irrigation in. 316 

measured drainage areas in. 303 

proposed irrigation developments in. 317 

reservoir sites in. 319 

storage in. 319 

undeveloped power in. 318 

water power in.317-318 

South Platte River basin, gaging-station 

records in. 243 

general features of.'. 242 

measured drainage areas in. 242 

Splitrock, Wyo., Sweetwater River near_ 170 

Spread Creek near Elk, Wyo.310-311 

















































































































INDEX. 


331 


Page. 

Spring Creek basin, measured drainage areas 


in. 128 

Spring Creek, description of. 121 

near Saratoga, Wyo. 159 

Squaw Creek near Big Sandy, Wyo. 279-280 

Sunlight Creek, undeveloped power on. 87 

Sweetwater River basin, measured drainage 

areas in. 126 

Sweetwater River, description of. 122-124 

near Alcova, Wyo. 171-172 

near Splitrock, Wyo. 170 

Swift Creek, developed power on. 317 

Tongue River at Carneyville, Wyo.90-91 

at Dayton, Wyo. 90 

developed power on. 96 

near Dayton, Wyo.89-90 

proposed irrigation from. 95 

undeveloped power on.97-98 

Tongue River basin, areas covered by com¬ 
pleted ditches in. 95 

gaging-station records in.89-94 

general features of. 88 

irrigation in.94-95 

measured drainage areas in. 89 

reservoir sites in.99-100 

storage in. 98-100 

water power in.96-98 

Topography. 5-6 

See also “general features” under indi¬ 
vidual basins. 

Tensleep Creek near Tensleep, Wyo.42-44 

undeveloped power on. 76 

Teton, Wyo., Cottonwood Creek near. 311 

Thermopolis, Wyo,, Big Horn River at.22-25 

Owl Creek near.39-40 

Trout Creek at Wind River, Wyo. 39 

Two Rivers, Wyo., Laramie River at.217-218 

Little Laramie River at. 227-229 


Page. 

Ucross, Wyo., Piney Creek at. 111-112 

Uinta Development Co., cooperation by. 3 

United States Forest Service, cooperation by. 3 
United States Indian Service, cooperation by. 3 

United States Reclamation Service, coopera¬ 
tion by. 3 

Urie, Wyo., Blacks Fork near. 281-282 

Uva, Wyo., Laramie River at. 222-223 

Wagon Hound Creek near Labonte, Wyo.. 184-185 
Wendover, Wyo., Cottonwood Creek near.. 187-188 
Whalen, Wyo., North Platte River above.. 144-150 


North Platte River below.144-150 

Wheatland, Wyo., Laramie River near_ 221-222 

North Laramie River near. 230-232 

Sibille Creek near. 229-230 

Willow Creek at J. K. ranch, near Lenore, 

Wyo. 28 

description of. 12 

Wilson, Wyo., Fish Creek near.312-313 

Wind River at Dubois, Wyo.18-19 

at Riverton, Wyo. 19-22 

description of. 10-11 

Wind River basin, irrigation in.63-64 

Wind River Mountains, lake reservoir sites 

in. 292-293 

Wind River, Wyo., Trout Creek at. 39 

Wolf Creek near Alpine, Idaho.314-315 

Wood River near Meeteetse, Wyo.49-50 

undeveloped power on. 76 

Woods Landing, Wyo., Laramie River at.. 209-211 
Woods, Wyo., Laramie River and Pioneer 

canal near.211-217 

Wyoming, cooperation by. 2 

Wyoming Irrigation Co., cooperation by. 3 

Yellowstone National Park, Snake River at 

south boundary of. 303-305 

Zenith, Wyo., Gros Ventre River at. 312 


O 
































































- 



. 








•Tj' >()'.•' 





























































U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 


WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 469 PLATE I 


EXPLANATION 

(CONTINUED) 


UNDEVELOPED 
RESERVOIR SITES 

BIG HORN RIVER BASIN 
No. 

1 Upper Wind River 

2 Dinwoody Lakes 

3 Long Beach 

4 Raft Lake 

5 Tuygee Lake 

6 Owl Creek 

7 Little Buffalo Basin 

8 Buffalo Basin 

9 Buffalo Creek 

10 West Tensleep Lake 

11 East Tensleep Lake 

12 Tensleep Meadows 

13 Lake Solitude 

14 Summit 

15 Haymaker 

16 Canyon 

17 Upper Greybull 

18 Greybull 

19 Upper Sunshine 

20 Lower Sunshine 

21 Meadows 

TONGUE RIVER BASIN 

22 North Fork 

23 South Fork 

24 Rock wood 

POWDER RIVER BASIN 

25 Piney 

26 Elk Lake 

28 Red Fork 

29 Northern Wyo. Land Co. 

30 Northern Wyo. Land Co. 


NORTH PLATTE RIVER 
BASIN 

31 North Park 

32 Seminole 

33 Guernsey 

34 Big Creek Lakes 

35 Casteel 

36 Brush Creek 

37 Hog Park 

38 Canyon 

39 Sierra Madre 

40 Matheson 

41 Stillwater 

42 Sand Creek 

43 Cronberg 

44 Wister 

45 Turpin Park 

46 Bosler 

47 Sand Lake 

48 Two Bar 

49 Devils Gate 

50 Buckhorn 

LARAMIE RIVER BASIN 

51 Glendevey 

52 Robertson-McConnell 

53 Bell 

54 M Bar 

GREEN RIVER BASIN 

55 Green River Lakes 

56 Boulder Lake 

57 Fremont Lake 

58 Half Moon Lake 

59 Burnt Lake 

60 New Fork Lake 

61 Willow Lake 

62 North Piney 

63 Taylor 

64 Middle Piney Lake 

65 La barge 

BEAR RIVER BASIN 

66 Narrows 

SNAKE RIVER BASIN 

67 Leigh Lake 

68 Jenny Lake 



l anrh«* 


!i orroU. 


SJELO! 
Nat i a 


wi'LfjwsrahrE; 

\ l~AKh J 


eS then 


M 


[a - ' owortli 




la: ivum 




Bdouglas 


ova 


'vrerKl-- 


MERER 

IS 

lamondyille 


.LowaXentW 




Albrn* 


.Wauuei 


l tarn ant 


ri_,FT. DAJiUS : 
L 4 *ILITARY 


irtajjp 


LITHO A HOEN&CO BrfLTCf MD 


MAP OF WYOMING SHOWING LOCATION OF UNDEVELOPED RESERVOIR SITES 

AND OF IRRIGATED AND IRRIGABLE LANDS 



-- 

\ 

V 

k 

< 

\ 



0 




r 

FT 

< i ? 
if 

In 

1 ! 

: 1/ 

l 

'"'l-LZSL‘S\ 

It 

y,UJ 

*L\ 

120 

■n. 4 
' j ' 



/>)“ 




. ' TJerma 

rr 



x' ■ 

\ 

V. 

, \ 

3,_ 





X6 


Scale 756000 



1922 


EXPLANATION 



Boundary of a principal 
drainage basin 




Land with irrigation water rights ad¬ 
judicated by State courts and Board of 
Control to July 1, 1916. Irrigated area 
with tinadjndicated water rights not 
shown. 




Irrigation project completed 
or under construction 



Possible irrigation project 


o"° 


Gaging station 
(Somber refers to list below) 


/*> 

Undeveloped reservoir side 
(Number refers to list on left margin 
of map ) 


GAGING STATIONS 

No. Stream Location 

1 Wind River.Dubois 

2 Wind River.Riverton 

3 Big Horn River.Thermopolis 

4 Horse Creek.Dubois 

5 Dinwoody Creek.Lenore 

6 Dry Creek.Lenore 

7 Willow Creek.J. K. ranch,near Lenore 

8 Bull Lake Creek.Lenore 

9 Middle Fork of Popo Agie River... Lander 

10 Popo Agie River.Arapahoe 

11 Little Popo Agie River.Hudson 

11a North Fork of Little Wind River... Fort Washakie 

lib South Fork of Little Wind River... Fort Washakie 

12 Little Wind River.Fort Washakie 

13 Little Wind River....Arapahoe 

14 Trout Creek.Wind River 

15 Owl Creek.Thermopolis 

16 No Wood Creek.Bonanza 

17 Tensleep Creek.Tensleep 

17a Paintrock Creek.Hyattvilie 

18 Paintrock Creek.Bonanza 

19 Greybull River.Meeteetse 

20 Wood River.Meeteetse 

21 Shell Creek.Shell 

22 Shoshone River.Ishawooa 

23 Shoshone River.Marquette 

24 Shoshone River.Cody 

25 Shoshone River.Corbett dam 

26 Shoshone River.Lovell 

26a Clark Fork.Clark 

26b Tongue River.Near Dayton 

27 Tongue River.Dayton 

28 Tongue River.Carneyville 

29 Goose Creek.Sheridan 

29a Little Goose Creek.Bighorn 

30 Little Goose Creek.Sheridan 

31 Middle Fork of Powder River.Kaycee 

31a Powder River. .Arvada 

32 Powder River.Near Arvada 

33 Clear Creek.Near Buffalo 

34 Clear Creek..Buffalo 

35 Clear Creek.«.Arvada 

36 Piney Creek.Kearney 

37 Piney Creek.Ucross 

38 North Platte River.Northgate, Colo. 

39 North Platte River.Saratoga 

40 North Platte River.Above Pathfinder 

41 North Platte River.Pathfinder 

42 North Platte River.Casper 

43 North Platte River.Douglas 

44 North Platte River.Orin Junction 

45 North Platte River.McKinley 

46 North Platte River.Guernsey 

47 North Platte River.Whalen 

48 Douglas Creek.Keystone 

49 Big Creek.Big Creek 

50 French Creek.French Creek 

51 Brush Creek.Saratoga 

52 Encampment River.Encampment 

53 Cow Creek.Saratoga 

54 Spring Creek.Saratoga 

55 North Spring Creek.Saratoga 

56 Jack Creek.Saratoga—Matheson's ranch 

57 Jack Creek.Saratoga— Blydenburgh's ranch 

58 Jack Creek.Saratoga 

59 Pass Creek.;.... Walcott 

60 Medicine Bow River.Near Medicine Bow 

61 Medicine Bow River.Medicine Bow 

62 Rock Creek.Arlington 

63 Rock Creek.Rock Creek 

64 Deep Creek.Arlington 

65 Muddy Creek.Shirley 

66 Sweetwater River.Splitrock 

67 Sweetwater River.Alcova 

68 Sage Creek.Pathfinder 

69 Deweese Creek.Alcova 

70 Sand Creek...Alcova 

71 Canyon Creek.Alcova 

72 Horse Creek.Alcova 

73 Horse Creek.Lagrange 

74 Bates Creek.Casper 

75 Deer Creek.Glenrock 

76 Boxelder Creek—.Careyhurst 

76a La Prele Creek...Douglas 

77 La Prele Creek.Fetterman 

78 Wagon Hound Creek.LaBonte 

79 La Bonte Creek.LaBonte 

80 Horseshoe Creek.Glendo 

81 Cottonwood Creek.Wendover 

82 Laramie River.Glendevey. Colo. 

83 Laramie River.Jelm 

84 Laramie River. Woods Landing 

85 Laramie River and Pioneer Canal .Woods 

86 Laramie River.Two Rivers 

87 Laramie River.Lookout 

88 Laramie River-...McGill 

89 Laramie River..Below McGill 

90 Laramie River.Wheatland 

91 Laramie River.Uva 

92 Laramie River.Fort Laramie 

93 Little Laramie River.Filmore 

94 Little Laramie River.Two Rivers 

95 Sibylee Creek.Wheatland 

96 North Laramie River (upper 

station).Wheatland 

97 North Laramie River.Wheatland 

98 Chugw^“t Creek.Chugwater 

99 Middle Crow Creek.Hecla 

100 Green River. Kendal! 

101 Green River.Daniel 

102 Green River...Green River 

103 Horse Creek...Daniel 

104 Cottonwood Creek.Big Piney 

105 East Fork.East Fork Canal 

106 East Fork.New Fork 

107 New Fork.Cora 

108 New Fork.Boulder 

109 Pine Creek.Fremont Lake outlet 

110 Pine Creek.Pinedale 

111 Pole Creek.Fayette 

112 Fall Creek.Fayette 

113 Boulder Creek.Boulder 

114 North Piney Creek.Marbleton 

115 Middle Piney Creek.Big Piney 

116 Labarge Creek.Labarge 

117 Fontenelle Creek.Fontenelte 

118 Big Sandy Creek.Big Sandy 

119 Big Sandy Creek.Eden 

120 Big Sandy Creek....Farson 

121 Squaw Creek.Big Sandy 

122 Little Sandy Creek. Eden 

123 Blacks Fork.*.Urie 

124 Blacks Fork.Granger 

125 Hams Fork.Diamondville 

126 Henrys Fork. Linwood, Utah 

127 Little Snake River.Dixon 

128 Savery Creek..Savery 

129 Muddy Creek.Baggs 

130 Bear River.Evanston 

131 Snake River..Yellowstone National Park 

132 Snake River.Moran 

133 Pacific Creek.Moran 

134 Buffalo Fork.Elk 

135 Spread Creek.Elk 

136 Cottonwood Creek.Teton 

137 Gros Ventre River.Kelly 

138 Gros Ventre River.Zenith 

139 Fish Creek.Wilson 

140 Flat Creek.Cheney 

141 Hoback River.Cheney 

142 Fall Creek.Cheney 

143 Wolf Creek.*.Alpine, Idaho 

144 Greys River.Alpine, Idaho 

145 Salt River.Alpine, Idaho 











































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































